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First-round choice takes first few shots

Nanaimo Timbermen rookie Cody Bremner makes transition to senior A lacrosse.
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Nanaimo Timbermen lacrosse player Cody Bremner is expected to make an impact in his rookie season in the Western Lacrosse Association.

Nanaimo Timbermen rookie Cody Bremner might need some time to adjust to senior A lacrosse. But he won’t have much trouble adjusting to his new surroundings.

This summer Bremner brings his athletic talents once again to his second home, the Harbour City.

The Coastal Windows Timbermen are the third Nanaimo team that the Victoria athlete has suited up for. He debuted in Nanaimo with the junior A Timbermen, then went on to play one hockey season with the Nanaimo Clippers. This winter the senior A T-men maintained the connection, choosing Bremner in the first round of the Western Lacrosse Association draft.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I’ve been in junior for four years and watched these guys play. I’ve kind of dreamed of playing at this level since I was a little kid so it’ll be really nice to get my first full season.”

Leading up to draft day in February a couple of Lower Mainland teams contacted the sniper, but he told them he wasn’t interested in playing anywhere but Vancouver Island.

He had a feeling the Timbermen were interested, and they were.

“I’m used to being up here and I’m really happy to be here,” he said.

Bremner looks forward to sharing floor time with the other top Timbermen, and said playing with a guy like league MVP Scott Ranger will be good for his development as a player. He also likes the idea of teaming up with Timbermen veteran Kaleb Toth, whom he’s known since Toth was a WLA rookie living in the Bremner household in Victoria.

“He always helped me out and he was always teaching me stuff,” said Cody Bremner. “With my dad being a defensive guy, I think Kaleb taught me the offensive side of the game.”

Toth must have taught the youngster well – Bremner finished his B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League career with 136 goals, making him one of that league’s most prolific scorers of the last few decades.

He plans to pot a few goals at the senior level, too.

“I’d like to, but I’m not going to try to put my expectations too high,” he said. “I’m going to try to do the little things right and if you do the little things right I’m sure the goals will come.”

Goals and wins, ideally. Bremner said from what he’s seen, he likes his team’s chances this summer.

“Last year they tied for a playoff spot again and finished the year strong and showed that they are going to be competitive,” he said. “And this year I think we’ve only gotten better.”

GAME ON … The Nanaimo Timbermen senior A lacrosse team plays the Langley Thunder on Sunday (May 20) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. The team then takes on the New Westminster Salmonbellies on Thursday on the road … For a season preview on the Nanaimo Timbermen, please click here … To read about a significant trade the club made this past week, please click here.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com