The New Westminster junior Salmonbellies exited last week’s midget draft happy with their lot.
The third-best team in the standings in 2016, the B.C. Junior A lacrosse team used the first overall pick in the draft to select 16-year-old sniper Dylan McCormick of Ridge Meadows.
The Bellies had acquired the first overall pick in an earlier trade.
With the sixth overall choice, New West tagged Gavin Bruce of Port Moody.
“(The draft) went exceedingly well,” remarked Bellies general manager Warren Goss. “We went in with a list of our top-16 players and ended up with our top-two.”
McCormick is a righthanded offensive player, while Bruce plays offence/defence.
"(McCormick) is a right-handed offensive player and one we feel is going to be a potential junior A star," noted Goss. "(Bruce) is a veratile, offence-defence player who was among the top-two players available, in our estimation."
Although some programs have relied upon the midget draft -- where players from communities without a junior A team in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island are made available -- New West sees it as a chance to supplement their incoming talent.
"For us, it isn't something that we expect to be as big an impact with our roster, because we rely a large part on New Westminster minor lacrosse, which is an excellent feeder program," said Goss. "But we did draft Carter Dickson and we feel we drafted some players this year who could play a big role down the line."
With the 14th overall pick, New West grabbed Mission's Ethan Symons, then chose Colton Caron with the 38th selection. Also drafted were Ridge Meadow's Mason Morais and Richmond's Conor Dimmick.
Most players eligible for the draft are expected to start their intermediate careers in their respective communities.
As to the upcoming season, Goss said last year's disappointing finish -- where they were bumped in the semifinals by Delta -- has only whetted the club's appetite for bigger things this year.
"Our expectations this year are to compete for a Minto Cup. Anything short of a Minto Cup final appearance will be a disappointment," Goss said.
