The New Westminster Salmonbellies landed a big fish for the upcoming Western Lacrosse Association season.
The senior A Salmonbellies signed two-time Whitby Warriors Minto Cup championship goalie Alexis Buque last week.
Buque will team up with returning keeper Neil Tyacke in the Salmonbellies’ cage this season.
“We have had a plan since our season ended to retool our program, and part of that retooling was our goaltending duo,” said club president and general manager Dan Richardson in a club press release. “With the addition of Reid Reinholdt, Sean Lundstrom and Brendan Ranford via the draft, and now Alexis Buque, the Salmonbellies coaching staff are excited about the 2014 season.”
At last year’s Minto, Buque led all keepers with a 5.96 goals against average and a .868 save percentage.
“Buque is great ball stopper with a fantastic stick,” Richardson added in the release. The run-and-gun upbeat transition style that coach (Steve) Goodwin has implemented is very similar to that of the Whitby Warriors uptempo offence.”
“I have always been a goaltender from a young age,” said Buque in the release. “I enjoy the pressure of being the clutch guy to make the big saves and make the long pin-point passes. My lacrosse idol growing up was Toronto Rock tender Bob Watson, who had a dominant style and won many championships.”
Salmonbellie fans will get their first chance to see Buque and his new teammates in action at the 125th anniversary home opener at Queen’s Park Arena versus the Langley Thunder on May 22.
Season tickets are available for $85 for adults and $60 for seniors and students at www.salmonbellies.com.
