Football | 5/28/2026 4:03:00 PM
The York University Lions football program has hired 2024 Grey Cup champion Fraser Sopik as its new Special Teams Coordinator.
Sopik comes to York after splitting his six-year CFL career between the Calgary Stampeders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts. He was selected by the Stampeders in the fourth round, 31st overall in the 2019 CFL Draft and spent the first four seasons of his career with Calgary before signing with the Tiger-Cats in 2023 and finishing his playing career with the Argonauts in 2024. He re-signed with Calgary at the beginning of free agency in 2025 but announced his retirement on May 7 after an offseason injury.
Over six years (five seasons) in the league, he appeared in 71 games, making 90 defensive tackles, including four for a loss, with five sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and four knockdowns. Sopik also had a major impact on specials over his career, making 45 special teams tackles.
"I am excited to officially announce the hiring of Fraser Sopik as the next Special Teams Coordinator for the York Lions Football Program," said York football head coach Dexter Janke. "Fraser brings a tremendous amount of experience, leadership, professionalism, and championship pedigree to our program. He has competed and led at every level of football in Canada and understands what it takes to build and sustain a winning culture.
"Throughout the interview process, it became clear that Fraser's values, leadership style, and vision aligned with the direction we are moving in as a program. His ability to connect with people, teach the game and demand a high standard will have a major impact on our student-athletes both on and off the field."
Sopik played his university football with the Western Mustangs from 2015-18 and won a Vanier Cup in 2017. Sopik took home the 2017 Bruce Coulter Award as the game's most valuable defensive player. He had 10 assisted tackles and 11 total, a game-high, with a sack and a pass breakup.
He capped off his U SPORTS career by winning the 2018 President's Trophy as the top defensive player in U SPORTS. He appeared in all eight games for the Mustangs that season, making 31 solo tackles and 15 assisted tackles for 38.5 total takedowns to lead the Mustangs.
Upon his retirement from the CFL in 2025, he joined the Argonauts coaching staff as a Defensive Assistant.
"I couldn't be more excited to join Coach Janke's staff and work with the student athletes within the program," Sopik said. "I have no doubt the program is heading in the right direction and am confident that it will be a seamless transition. I am looking forward to building relationships with the team and getting to work."
The Lions kick off the 2026 season hosting the Carleton Ravens on Aug. 29 at York Lions Stadium. Game time is 1 p.m.
