If Jonathan Sirois had any lingering doubts about a return to Winnipeg and Valour FC — and especially in rejoining a club already three weeks into training camp — they vanished the very moment he walked into the club’s offices last week.
“It was exciting to see everyone again and it just confirmed to me that I made the right decision,” began Sirois in a chat with valourfootball.club. “The team looks like they’re happy to have me back and I’m happy to be back with all these guys.
“The energy they gave me, the vibe I got from them is very contagious.”
In formally announcing the return today of the talented goalkeeper on loan from CF Montreal (MLS), Valour FC made official what has been speculated for months. Sirois was sensational in 2021, his first year with Valour, in leading the CPL in saves (94) and clean sheets (nine) in earning the league’s Golden Glove Award, presented to the most outstanding keeper.
He had been in camp with Montreal this winter but found himself third on the club’s goaltending depth chart behind Sebastian Breza and James Pantemis – the former Valour keeper loaned by Montreal for the 2020 Island Games.
“In talking to the coaches and the sporting director (with CF Montreal) they couldn’t find any reason for me to be back but just sitting on the bench,” Sirois explained. “They want me to stay with the momentum I had and for them and for me it was clear I needed to go back out on loan. Once we started discussing that it became pretty clear very fast that Winnipeg was the place to go.
“Last year was pretty good for me and it does look good on my resumé and to have the chance to do that for a second year in a row is a very good opportunity. It’s important to have those precious minutes, to keep getting the stats and to work on getting my confidence up and develop. I’m still very young and I need that experience to grow as a player in my career.”
Sirois’ return gives Valour’s push for a much-coveted Canadian Premier League playoff spot has received a massive boost and bolsters the goalkeeping position that already features Rayane Yesli, the 2021 draft pick who has been impressive through the start of training camp.
“Rayanne is going to play a role. I want people to realize that. I want Jo to realize that and Rayane to realize that,” said Valour GM and head coach Phillip Dos Santos. “That’s the nature of the job and we want this to be a competitive environment.
“Goalkeepers need to play. It’s a position where you absolutely need minutes. You need to see game time; you need to see action in front of you. You need to be put in those critical situations day in and day out and there’s nothing like competition. Jo is going to benefit from it, we are as well. It’s a win-win for everyone.
“Jo had a presence last year. He was playing well and was an important part of the wins this club had. You grow inside the environment. We’re happy because we think the locker room is gaining in maturity and it’s piece by piece. I always say this: it’s the sum of the parts that’s going to make everything come together. We’re lucky to have two goalkeepers that showcase that maturity.”
Sirois is at an intriguing point in his career development. Clearly his long-term goal is to be with CF Montreal and playing regular minutes in the MLS. But he also has a connection with teammates here in Winnipeg, as he has battled with them in real matches.
“It’s like I have two different families. To me, they’re all brothers,” said Sirois. “I built something with these guys last year. We went to battle together. We went through good and hard times together, so I have a very special bond with the guys who are here.
“It’s a special feeling. I come back, but I’m not coming back to a different team or a team with a bunch of new players that I need to connect with. Most of them are guys I already know and love very much. I can’t wait to get on the field and battle with them.”