Ken King put together a strong lacrosse team for 2011, but he won’t be at the arena to see how it fares.
King had to resign his post as general manager of the Nanaimo DBL Timbermen this week for personal reasons.
“The DBL senior B Timbermen would like to thank Ken King for all his hard work so far this year,” noted Marcia Wright, team president, in a press release. “Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, he is unable to continue on as our general manager for the remainder of the season. We wish him the best of luck.”
Coach Roger Dubyna said King made significant headway this season building relationships with both Vancouver Island’s senior A teams.
“As you know, he’s a very hard worker,” Dubyna said.
Leslee Banks takes over as interim general manager.
The Timbermen players, meanwhile, have to keep their focus on the floor because on Thursday (May 19) they face their toughest test so far this West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association season: a road game against the rival Ladner Pioneers.
It’s expected to be a step up for the DBL T-men (2-0), who have beaten North Shore and Chilliwack so far this spring.
“We’ve just had our pre-season,” Dubyna said. “The league kind of starts on Thursday.”
The Pioneers (1-2) at this time of year might not be as much as a powerhouse as usual, Dubyna said, but he still expects good competition.
“Exactly how strong they’re going to be, I’m not sure; how physical they’re going to be, I’m not sure of that either. I think they’re going to be a little more skill oriented.”
Nanaimo has had a week and a half off since its last game, and has used that time to its advantage, the coach said.
“We’re way farther ahead at this time this season than we were last season, just with our systems,” said Dubyna. “This is what we’ve done for a year. So the veterans are all in synch in terms of what we want to do and how we want to do it.”
LACROSSE TALK … The next home game for the DBL Timbermen is May 29, when Langley visits the Nanaimo Ice Centre for a 5:30 p.m. faceoff … Anyone interested in the club’s general managing vacancy is asked to e-mail lesleeb53@hotmail.ca.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
