Based on the body of work of three of their forwards, Vancouver Stealth should have no trouble filling opposing goals this year.
Langley’s pro lacross team announced the active roster and practice roster for the upcoming 2016 season.
The team is led by major off-season acquisition (and Langley native) Garrett Billings; Stealth all-time goals, assists, and points leader Rhys Duch; and 2014 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Rookie of the Year Logan Schuss.
Stealth president and general manager Doug Locker said the team’s staff did a tremendous job balancing the overall roster to add depth and versatility at every position.
“We really like the makeup of this group and it reflects the very competitive camp that we have had thus far. We will still have some decisions to make when a couple of key players come off the IR list after the first of the year, but that will provide us with even more depth,” Locker said. “I can’t wait for the season to start on Jan. 9.”
In total, 16 players are returning from a season ago. They includes captain Curtis Hodgson, 30-plus goal scorers Corey Small and Joel McCready, and 22-year-old goaltender Eric Penney.
2015 second round pick Jordan Durston was the lone player to make the active roster out this year’s draft class.
Fifth round pick Ryan Wagner will begin the season on the practice roster.
For Locker and the rest of the staff, paring the roster to 24 players out of training camp was a challenging task.
“Every team in the league is in the same situation when it comes to making tough choices, and we were no different. It’s a difficult process every season, but this year seemed especially hard with the strong group of free agents we signed in the off season,” Locker said. “We had to release some very good lacrosse players, but that process is now complete, and we are extremely happy with the guys who we selected.”
The Stealth roster includes:
Forwards: Garrett Billings, Rhys Duch, Jordan Durston, Joel McCready, Logan Schuss, Corey Small, and Cliff Smith.
Defencemen: Matt Beers, Curtis Hodgson, Ian Hawksbee, Brier Jonathan, Jeff Moleski, and Chris O’Dougherty.
Transition: Brandon Clelland, Travis Cornwall, Tyler Garrison, Mitch McMichael, and Justin Salt.
Goaltenders: Chris Levis and Eric Penney.
Practice roster: Keegan Bal (forward), Cody Hagedorn (goaltender), Jarrett Toll (transition), and Ryan Wagner (defence).
Injured reserve: Tyler Hass (transition) and Rory Smith (defence).
Learn more at stealthlax.com.
