The Armstrong Shamrocks are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming 2011 Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League season.
With several returning players and 10 graduates of the North Okanagan Minor Lacrosse Association Midget B provincial championship team, head coach Pat Nelson couldn’t wait to open up spring camp at the Hassen Memorial Arena.
“We have a really exciting group of players coming into our program this year,” said Nelson. “They have skill, floor sense, athleticism and experience at winning – all of which should make for a solid team this year.”
Nelson expected more than 30 players to try out for this year, making for a competitive camp.
“We only have 25 spots available on our roster so the kids will have to show us the right attitude, hard work and commitment to the team that we will need to be successful,” added Nelson.
Nelson worked hard in the off-season recruiting a solid coaching team to assist him. Nelson will be taking over as head coach from Brett Logan, who will focus on senior lacrosse and work.
Assistant coach in charge of the defence is Shamrock alumni Glenn Mitchell. New to the staff is veteran Shamrock Jim Maundrell, whose legendary offensive talents with the Shamrocks in the 1970s earned him a spot alongside teammates Lance McGregor, Doug Morrison and Adrien Lemaire on the Shamrocks’ wall of honour at the Nor-Val Sports Centre where his #10 jersey hangs.
Rounding out the coaching staff is Ryan Nitchie, who brings 20 years of lacrosse involvement and leadership to the team.
“I am really excited about the group of leaders that we have brought together behind the bench to help develop these young guys – they all have assets that will definitely help us to be successful,” said Nelson.
The Junior Rocks’ training camp runs through March and ends with the annual league ice breaker exhibition tournament on April 16 at Nor-Val.
The team will then reduce its roster to the maximum 25 players and begin league play shortly after. New players who live in the School District #83 area are welcome to try out, and are encouraged to contact any of the coaching staff for details.
