In what is billed as the fastest game on two feet, being faster than your opponent is not only an asset, but a necessity.
For the New Westminster Salmonbellies, who embark on a new Western Lacrosse Association season tonight (Thursday, 7 p.m. at Queen’s Park Arena) against the Nanaimo Timbermen, speed will definitely be in the spotlight.
The lineup constructed by New West general manager Dan Richardson and head coach Steve Goodwin is built for speed – both as a weapon and an advantage.
But without timing and team chemistry, all the speed in the world is as useful as a fidget spinner.
Fortunately, while there are 11 newcomers, there is also cohesion and leadership aplenty.
“We made 11 changes to our roster and feel we’ve gotten quicker and stronger, on the rightside and on defence primarily,” remarked Goodwin of his team. “I’m a transition guy, so I want our guys to get on and off the floor quickly.”
Richardson notes that while the season will begin without three major contributors – Mike Messenger and 2016 Defensive Player of the Year Brett Mydske, both members of the National Lacrosse League’s Saskatchewan Rush, and Kevin Crowley – those in town are already establishing a strong camaraderie.
“The way the (WLA) season goes, you get to know everybody pretty quickly,” said Richardson. “It’s pretty much two games a week and, before you know it, the playoffs are here.”
Last year’s performance was one of three chapters – a slow start, a 14-game unbeaten streak, and an unsettling 4-1 exit in the playoffs to eventual B.C. champ Maple Ridge. What was absorbed in the semifinal playoff loss is going to serve them well, said team captain Curtis Hodgson.
“We had a really nice stretch run there, but honestly we learned an important lesson (in the playoffs),” said Hodgson. “We want to make Queen’s Park a difficult place for people to play.”
Making it a challenge for the opposition will start in goal with the tandem of Alex Buque and newcomer Tye Belanger.
Both have NLL experience and track records in the WLA, with Belanger a couple of seasons removed from an all-star honour with Burnaby.
“We really like our goaltending and think they’ll push each other... There’s no No. 1 and I think you’ll see them rotate starts for the first while,” said Richardson.
Belanger, signed as a free agent as his stock rose with a standout performance for the Vancouver Stealth, solidified the crease situation.
The backend, led by first all-star team players Justin Goodwin and Mydske, Ian Hawksbee, Hodgson and Messenger, remains a formidable force, while Albertan Tory Tremblay is expected to provide valuable depth.
“It’s been said before: defence wins championships,” said Goodwin. “I believe we have the players, on paper, who can get us to (our goal). It’s our job as coaches to make it work.”
Most of the lineup changes have come upfront, where returnees Logan Schuss and Mitch Jones welcome the additions of Joel McCready, Zach Herreweyers, Nathan Stewart and Albertans Sean Tyrell and Austin Jerhoff. Crowley, a hometown boy making his return to 'Bellies colours after a four-year absence, won'tl be available until late June. But there's no denying his an impact for a squad that finished just two points out of first place last year.
Mydske and McCready were acquired in a blockbuster swap with Langley that cost a boxload of draft picks, including a pair of 2017 first rounders and next year's first round selection. That move alone signaled that the future is now.
“I think what’s a huge asset for us is we have a lot of character. That’s going to help us bond as a team,” said Hodgson.
BELLIE NOTES: The club is unveiling its 2017 lineup against the Nanaimo Timbermen Thursday, and in the process providing free admission to the home opener for all New West Minor Lacrosse Association players and their families, coaches and volunteers.
