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Captain sets team goals for juniors

Brett Fleming has been chosen as team captain of Nanaimo's B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League club for the 2013 season.
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Nanaimo Timbermen player Brett Fleming

The new captain of the junior A Timbermen has one team goal that he wants to accomplish, as soon as possible – get a win.

Brett Fleming has been chosen as team captain of Nanaimo's B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League club for the 2013 season. He's tasked with leading a T-men team (1-3) that has so far won only be default.

"Right now it's a pride thing," he said. "We've got to get that monkey off our back. We've got to get that win."

Fleming, a second-year vet, has been doing his part so far. He's third on team scoring and his five goals are halfway to the 10 he scored in 2012. Fleming said earlier this season coach Brad Dougan challenged him to be better, then the coach recognized the player's efforts by entrusting him with the 'C.'

"It's an absolute honour, especially coming from coach Dougan. He's a tough customer when it comes to our players…" said Fleming. "It was pretty nice to get rewarded that way."

The coach said his team captain is workmanlike and versatile.

"I can put him on the penalty kill, I can put him on the power play, he'll go get me a loose ball," said Dougan. "So if you've got a guy on your roster that can do that, it's an easy choice for a coach. And I know he's a good team guy."

The transition player suggested he'll probably be running in and out the back door of the team's bench more often as offensive reinforcements join the roster. Other than that, his role as captain won't necessarily change his game.

"I've just got to bring my game every game and hopefully lead by example," he said.

There are things that the Timbermen need to change, though, he said. The squad was defeated in its home opener last weekend by the last-placed Burnaby Lakers, and wants to learn from that loss but move on.

"Whether it's cutting off-ball and getting open, or if it's just beating your man one-on-one, we're not doing enough of that…" said Fleming. "We've got some stuff to work on."

GAME ON … The junior A Timbermen host the Port Coquitlam Saints on Saturday (May 18) at 5 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $5 for children.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com