The New Westminster Salmonbellies roster grew by one more Gajic this season.
The eldest of the four Gajic brothers, Milan, will join his three siblings in the lineup when the Salmonbellies open their Western Lacrosse Association season at Queen's Park Arena against the Nanaimo Timbermen on May 24.
Alex, the youngest of the four, will also dress alongside Ilija and Nenad after missing all of last season with an eye injury.
"They are all a bit different, but the bottom line is they are all terrific teammates and terrific competitors," said Salmonbellies head coach Ken Thomas.
Tyler Richards will be the team's starting goalie, while Neil Tyacke earned the backup role after Matt Roik chose to remain back east this season.
Free agent Tom Johnson will also be suiting up in the red, white and blue following the pro league final this Saturday
A healthy Clayton Richardson will be returning to the club's back line, while Jeff Zywicki is also back for a second season with the 'Bellies.
One major loss is that of Jordan Hall, who is lost for the summer season after an ACL injury. That absence on the left side will give drafted rookies Michael Berekoff and Mark Negrin a chance to fill that hole.
Second-year runner Eric Lewthwaite, who tested highly in preseason drills, will also have an opportunity to step up his game.
"Some of our younger guys who played roles last season will be ready to take on larger roles," Thomas added.
After last season's poor finish in the final weeks of league play and a subsequent loss to Langley in the playoffs, this year's senior 'Bellies are "working harder and hungrier," said Thomas.
"We are a team that wants to be one to contend with at the end," he said.
