Yilmaz returning home to help bolster Griffins' attack after year spent training with pro teams in Turkey
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Bringing valuable training experience with pro teams in Turkey, the latest addition to head coach Adam Loga's 2026 men's soccer recruiting class is much more seasoned than your standard rookie.
Doruk Yilmaz is returning home to play for the Griffins, kicking off his Canada West career in 2026, two years after graduating from Strathcona high school.
The forward/attacking midfielder has spent much of the past year in his ancestral homeland of Turkey, training with two different pro first teams – Anadolu Üniversitesi U19 (from January to May 2025) and Izmir Çoruhlu (August 2025 to now).
"It's nice to see him coming in as an '06, two years older than most freshmen," said Loga. "And he obviously wasn't laying on the couch; he was over in Turkey in pro organizations there.
"I'm looking forward to having him. I had him back with the Whitecaps Academy (in 2022), so he'll join that crew. Just looking forward to getting him out."
That will bring familiarity for Yilmaz as new Griffins teammates Adam Solikowski, Bryan Gafiuk, Sam Zelaya and Malik Abdul were also in the Whitecaps FC program, helmed by Loga.
Yilmaz can play either the attacking midfield role or out wide in the forward group. He's a nice addition to a Griffins offence that's in need of a boost after scoring just 13 goals in 14 games last season.
"He's a really talented footballer," said Loga. "He's had experience in the pro environment. He's great in attacking transition, great in attacking organization. We hope he can bolster our attack."
Yilmaz grew up in the Edmonton Scottish program, also playing League 1 for them under Loga's tutelage. He also played League 1 for BTB Soccer Academy.
"He'll fit our mold and system well. He's dynamic, he can play that final ball," said Loga. "Then in those moments when we do look to win the ball further up the park, as mentioned, he's great in attacking transition."
