For the first time since Forge FC took the field in 2019, the club will enter a season without David Choinière on the wing. One of the last remaining originals, Choinière’s departure marks the end of an era defined by big moments, big games and a player who always seemed to show up when it mattered most.
From day one, Choinière was woven into the fabric of Forge. Part of the inaugural roster, he became a constant presence over seven seasons: 191 matches, 31 goals, 27 assists and countless performances that helped shape the club’s identity. If Forge were to build a highlight reel of its greatest hits, Choinière would feature in almost every chapter.
Over those years, he delivered goals that defined Forge’s biggest stages: the club’s first Concacaf winner, the championship-clinching strike in the 2019 Final, and the goal that helped secure another title in 2022. Ask him which moment he’ll remember most, and he reflects: “There’s so many memories, I don’t know where to start. But the goal against Cruz Azul at the Azteca… that’s the first one that comes to mind. And obviously all the championships that we won together are super special to me.”
His consistency and competitive edge made him one of the league’s most reliable wide players, but his presence extended beyond match days. Choinière describes the experience of spending seven years in Hamilton as transformative. “Forge means a lot to me. I spent seven years here and grew so much as a person and as a player. This club has been my home, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m grateful for the people here, for the fans, and for all the support over the years.”
The support he received from fans, many of whom wore his name on their jerseys, is something he says made every step of the journey easier. “The support means everything to me, and I think they made my journey easier. They supported me every moment, the ups and downs. Without them the game is not the same, so I want to say thank you to them. I will always be grateful for them,” he added.
What he’ll miss most isn’t a moment or a match, but the people. “One thing for sure I’m going to miss is my teammates. I got to know a lot of them over the last seven years, and I’m going to miss enjoying sharing a pitch every day, training with them, having a laugh in the locker room. All of those moments make our journey special and I’m going to miss them.”
Inside the club, his impact is equally felt. Head Coach and Sporting Director Bobby Smyrniotis calls Choinière “a cornerstone” of Forge’s early identity — a player who didn’t just appear in big moments but defined them. “David’s impact on this club has been immense. He’s a day-one player and one of the cornerstones of how we started in 2019. Over his seven years here, he lived through all of the big moments of this club and has been at the forefront of so many of them, from our early Concacaf victories to scoring in CPL Finals. When you think about Forge’s big games, David has always been there.”
Smyrniotis also emphasizes the qualities off the pitch that made Choinière special: “When you look at his contributions, his relentless work ethic stands out. He’s a player who always wants to succeed for himself and for the team, something rare to find. Off the field, he’s a great person to work with, open to learning and always pushing himself to be better. That’s what makes him special.”
As Choinière steps into his next chapter, he leaves behind more than statistics or highlight reels. His time in Hamilton spans championships, heartbreak, history-making goals and years of steady, dependable excellence — all anchored in the connection he built with supporters and the club itself. “I just want to say to the fans, thank you very much for the support, thank you for welcoming me seven years ago. I spent the last seven years here, you guys made this city home, and I will always be grateful for you guys.”
Forge FC sends him off with gratitude for seven years of service, leadership and unforgettable moments. And for Choinière, Forge will remain, in his words, “a special place in my heart,” no matter where the next step takes him.