The junior B Timbermen got better and better over the course of last season.
And with almost the whole roster returning for 2011, they should be able to basically pick up where they left off.
“I feel good about this year with so many kids back,” said Ken Morrison, the team’s coach. “It’s easy, really. They know the system … They all want the same thing, too.”
Nanaimo’s Pacific North West Junior Lacrosse League team starts its season this Wednesday (April 27) with its home opener against the Westshore Bears.
The perennial-powerhouse Bears eliminated the T-men from the playoffs last summer, but Nanaimo did steal one game of the best-of-three series to make things interesting.
“Starting out with them first game is going to be tough, but I think we’re ready for them,” Morrison said. “They’re beatable. I think they lost quite a few players.”
The Timbermen, meanwhile, have all their big guns back. Leading the offence again this year will be all-stars Connor Morgan, James Brown and Remy Koch. Two other key returnees, Ross Radcliffe and Bryden Pelletier, will rejoin the team soon. A new addition is big Josh Cronan, who will help in the back end.
The goaltending tandem is unchanged, with Sten Lundgren and all-star Mike Berti sharing time.
“They have to be strong,” said the coach. “I’m looking for one of them to step up to the plate and lead us.”
All areas of the floor will play important roles as the Timbermen seek to play a fast-paced style.
Morrison is emphasizing “a good transition game and fast break, stuff like that,” he said. “Just go, go, go.”
GAME ON … The Timbermen play the Bears on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for seniors and students and free for minor lacrosse players.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com