You can never have too much depth on defence.
With their latest deal, the New Westminster Salmonbellies have fortified what is looking like a fortress.
The senior A ’Bellies acquired left side defender Jakob Doucet in a swap with Langley, sending offensive support player Brett Dobray back home.
“(Doucet) is a kid we have had our eyes on for a while,” said New West general manager Dan Richardson. “He’s a left-side defender and transition player who brings a little sandpaper and grit to our lineup.”
He also contributed 11 goals in 30 games over the past two Western Lacrosse Association seasons. The ’Bellies also receive Langley’s fourth-round draft pick in 2018.
Dobray scored nine goals and 11 assists over 16 games last season.
Both players were second-round picks in the 2015 WLA draft, with Dobray chosen eighth overall by Nanaimo, while Doucet, who played junior in New West, was selected 10th overall by the Thunder.
Doucet worked well with another New West offseason acquisition, Brett Mydske, and the two are a big part of a revamped defence. Doucet’s talent on the transition side is a bonus, said Richardson.
“He can run. (Head coach Steve Goodwin) really likes to push the transition and we led the league last year in transition goals by a large amount.
“(Doucet) is going to fit in well.”
New West launched the exhibition season on Monday with a 6-4 loss to Burnaby. The teams play again on May 16, 7:30 p.m. at Copeland Sports Complex.
The club will open the WLA regular season May 25 against Nanaimo.
