The Nanaimo Timbermen announced their new leader.
The city’s Western Lacrosse Association club named Cayle Ratcliff as the new team captain.
Kaleb Toth, Timbermen coach, said Ratcliff is “a great leader.”
“Since he’s been here, he’s done whatever we’ve asked of him, whatever role we want him to play, he’s been playing it hard. He leads by example. He’s one of those players that knows what it takes to win, wants to win and demands the best from his teammates.”
Former captain Graham Palmer retired this off-season.
Ratcliff is entering his seventh WLA season, all with the T-men, and the season opener Friday (May 22) in Victoria will be his 100th career game.
The T-men are looking forward to starting the season against their Island rivals, Toth said.
“Just playing the Shamrocks should motivate you enough – guys should be prepared to play,” said the coach.
He said this year’s Timbermen are “a better team than we have [had] in the past,” with a well-rounded lineup.
“If we can work hard and do the little things and do what our systems entail … we should be able to make a really interesting game out of it,” Toth said.
Cody Bremner, Timbermen forward, said working hard is the best way to have success at this time of year when teams haven't yet hit their stride.
"At the beginning of the season, everyone's a little rusty, no one's played together … teams aren't really polished with their systems," he said. "So if you just go out there and work hard, it should take care of itself."
GAME ON … The T-men play their home opener against the Shamrocks on Sunday (May 24) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. Tickets will be available at the door.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com