Although naturally gifted in hockey, basketball and track it was the sport of soccer that provided Ian with the opportunity to take his love of sports to the highest level. As a youth player he was often Lakehill's top offensive weapon, but in the end he earned his reputation as a brilliant defender who could jump into the attack in the blink of an eye. Between 1976 and 1979 Ian played 16 international junior matches with Canada's team, won a Canada Games gold medal with the BC side then trained in Britain with West Ham and played for Maidstone United. After spending the 1979 season with Seattle as an amateur, he turned pro in 1980. That season saw the Sounders capture the NASL Trans Atlantic cup, thanks in large part to Ian's stifling defensive play. Internationally Ian was selected to the 1984 Canadian Olympic team that reached the quarterfinals and also had three cracks at the World Cup. He scored twice as a key player in Canada's unbelievable run to the 1986 World finals and finished as team captain at their 1990 Nations Cup victory. In all, Ian Bridge played over 100 matches for Canada, 33 of which were full internationals. He wound up his playing career with five seasons in the Swiss pro league and summers in the CSL for his hometown Vistas.