Not overly big at six-feet tall and 170-pounds, Orangeville, Ont. native Jeff Henrick's reputation is for a demeanor that looms large.
His 70 penalty minutes during 20 Ontario junior A lacrosse games last summer is just part of the story.
New Westminster Salmonbellies general manager Dan Richardson said his newest acquisition brings grit and an agitator’s attitude to the floor, whose play off the ball is something that will be a welcomed addition to the Western Lacrosse Association team.
“He’s tenacious on defence and I’ve heard a lot of great things about him,” said Richardson of the 21-year-old lefthander. “He’s got some grit and some toughness, and those were areas where we wanted to improve.”
New West announced Henrick’s signing this week, breaking a winter of relative quiet for the 2018 WLA regular season champs.
Henrick, who wrapped up a five-year career with the storied Northmen franchise last summer, was the No. 1 overall pick at the recent Major Series Lacrosse draft, selected by the last-place Cobourg Kodiaks.
A third-year player at Ohio State, Henrick made a request to Cobourg for a transfer west, and New West was there to pick up the pieces.
“We followed the CLA (Canadian Lacrosse Association) transfer guidelines, which is player driven,” said Richardson. “(Henrick) went to Cobourg, (he got) permission to talk to teams and we reached an agreement.”
Last season, he tallied six goals and 10 assists over 20 games, along with those 70 penalty minutes. Henrick, who debuted in the junior circuit at the age of 15, played five seasons in Orangeville, winning a Minto Cup in 2015. In Ohio, his Buckeyes reached the 2016 NCAA championships.
He also played on the Canadian team at the 2016 Under-19 World field lacrosse championships and is familiar with a couple of ‘Bellies, including New West’s Logan Schuss.
Richardson feels confident that the backline is well-stocked to make a long playoff run, with off-season additions of Henrick, Jason Salt – acquired in January from Burnaby – and Brendan Ranford. They join the WLA’s Outstanding Defensive Player and first team all-star Mike Messenger, Brett Mydske, Brandon Goodwin, Jakob Doucet and Reid Mydske, with captain Curtis Hodgson also indicating an interest in returning for a 17th season.
“With the addition of Henrick and (Justin) Salt, we’ve really strengthened our defence. These guys are not complementary pieces, but impact players.”
On the other side of the floor, Richardson is working at reeling in one more piece for coach Rory McDade’s offensive scheme, but preferred not to talk names. Given that the club has established a working arrangement with the Kodiaks, one possible option could see Chris Cloutier move west, since New West used a 2017 second-round pick on the one-time Coquitlam junior Adanac left-handed shooter.
Richardson noted the club has been working on a possible agreement that will see the return of Pennsylvania-based Kevin Crowley to the offensive side. A member of the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League, Crowley last played for his hometown ‘Bellies in 2017’s Mann Cup run.
"We're (looking) for just more depth on offence. It's a long way to get to a Mann Cup and anyone can field a top four, five guys. But it's a war of attrition and you need the depth, guys who can produce, all through the lineup.
“We have a couple of other things in the fire, but nothing to announce,” said Richardson.
To clear space for the new additions, New West released Sean Tyrell and Tyrell Hamer-Jackson.
With a majority of players playing either in the NLL or at college, Richardson anticipates camp opening up late this spring, with workouts starting in mid-April.
The WLA season begins May 23 when Langley visits Queen’s Park Arena.
