The junior A New Westminster Salmonbellies recently re-signed one of their cornerstone acquisitions.
The junior ’Bellies got a three-year commitment from Jeremy Bosher, who became a free agent under league rules after turning junior-age eligible.
Bosher, just 18, spent the past two seasons with the junior Fishmen but under league rules became a free agent when he turned a junior-age player.
The 6-3, 220-pound righthander scored more than 70 goals and 160 total points in league and playoffs in his first two seasons as an under-age starter.
Bosher was also a three-time finalist and all-star at the nationals, sharing a gold medal in 2008, when he was also named the MVP.
"Jeremy is a Salmombellie through and through, so we were never worried about losing him to another team when he became a free agent again, but I'm sure some of our close rivals took their best shot at signing him away from us … and so they should … he's an elite calibre player with three years left," said assistant Salmonbellies general manager Ray Porcellato.
The Norkam Secondary School grad is on his way to Denver University where he is in his first year of a full field lacrosse scholarship with the top-ranked Pioneers.
Inside Lacrosse recently ranked Bosher 20th overall in its Power 100 Freshman rankings.
The junior ’Bellies also signed Josh Bosher, Jeremy’s younger brother.
Porcellato describes the younger Bosher as arguably the top midget free agent in the province who has the ability to jump right into junior A league just like his older brother.
"At 6-3, 185 lbs. (Josh) already has the size and stature to play at this level, he's a guy that can play both ends of the floor with breakaway speed … were very happy to have him," said Porcellato.
The New Westminster juniors also signed two more Kamloops-area players – Anthony Matusiak and Colten Boomer.
Matusiak is a versatile lefthander with above average size at 6-3, 185 lbs., while Boomer is a little bigger with a good skill set and some grit to boot, said Porcellato.
“The management team continues to work 12 months a year to ensure the junior A Salmonbellies are a top-ranked team and a Minto Cup contender,” Porcellato added.
