So far, leading up to the trade deadline the Nanaimo Timbermen junior A team is adding pieces, not subtracting.
The juniors made a trade this week, acquiring transition player Matt Messenger from the Delta Islanders in exchange for a first-round draft choice in 2012. The draft pick formerly belonged to the New Westminster Salmonbellies.
"[Messenger] plays both ends of the floor very well, takes faceoffs and is an all-round great team player," said Dave Bremner, coach and general manager of the Timbermen.
The newcomer played 10 games with the Isles so far this B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League season, scoring five goals, adding 10 assists and compiling 39 penalty minutes, second most on the team.
The GM said Messenger is "on board" with the junior T-men.
"He's very happy to wear the black and red of the Nanaimo Junior A Timbermen, and Matt's coming in with the sense that he has to prove something," Bremner said. "Guns a'blazing is his attitude."
The junior A Timbermen play an important road game tonight at Langley, then visit the Coquitlam Adanacs on Sunday. Next home game for the T-men is July 3 when the Burnaby Lakers visit the Nanaimo Ice Centre for a 5 p.m. game.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com