Timbermen trade Ratcliff to Thunder
The Nanaimo Timbermen traded away a former MVP on the eve of training camp.
The Coastal Windows Timbermen senior A lacrosse team dealt Lewis Ratcliff to the Langley Thunder in exchange for a first- and second-round draft choice in 2014.
Ratcliff was permanently suspended late in the 2011 campaign by Timbermen president Hadi Abassi for missing too many games and has been on the trading block ever since.
“It’s been a long process,” said Earl Nicholson, Timbermen general manager. “We were holding out for a first rounder and that’s what we were able to get so we’re happy with the deal.”
He said the T-men thought they had a trade worked out a few months ago, but that deal fell through because it involved a player from Eastern Canada who decided not to come to play in the Western Lacrosse Association in 2012.
Nicholson said Langley is a good location for Ratcliff.
“He’s now living in Washington state so it’s got to be a team that he can get back and forth over the border. Langley was a good connection for him.”
At the time of Ratcliff’s suspension last July he suggested to Black Press that he might not play again in the WLA, but he has indicated he will report to the Thunder.
The Timbermen will open training camp Tuesday (April 24) at Frank Crane Arena.
As the T-men continue to build a roster for the 2012 season, Nicholson said the Ratcliff trade opens up options.
“This may develop into something else that we've got going,” he said. “This may be Step 1.”
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
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