The guy they call Creads has confirmed he’s back on the roster for the Langley-based Vancouver Stealth for the upcoming season.
“I am very proud to be a part of this team. We are very determined to do whatever it takes to win, and I guarantee that we will be ready from day one,” said Joel McCready, a 29-year-old Burnaby firefighter who hails from St. Catharines, Ont.
The Stealth announced late last week that McCready, wearing #55, has been signed to a two-year contract.
The offensive right-hander, who stands 5 ft. 11 in. and weighs in at 200 pounds, is a three-time nominee as the teammate of the year from 2015 to ’17. He won the award in 2015.
He has played in 54 games with the Stealth organization since joining in the fall of 2014, and he has scored 78 goals and 61 assists for 139 points. He’s also collected 173 loose balls.
McCready – whose uncle Patrick is the Stealth’s head scout – showed his versatility as player in 2017 where he played on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, said general manager Doug Locker.
McCready was originally drafted 18th overall in the 2008 NLL entry draft by the Rochester Knighthawks. He is a veteran of eight NLL seasons and has won champion’s cups in 2013 and 2014.
“Joel is a huge part of our franchise and we could not be happier today to have him signed for another two years,” said Locker, who is also the Stealth president.
“He is a great player, an unreal person and a superior teammate, and we look forward to big things from him this season,” Locker added.
The Stealth are preparing for the upcoming season, and McCready said he’s looking forward to getting back in the lacrosse box.
“We have been building something special together, and I think we are very close to reaching our ultimate goal,” he said.
Vancouver Stealth fun facts about McCready:
Most embarrassing song in your music library: Nelly Furtado – I’m like a bird
When I’m not playing lacrosse: Spending time with my family, working, or playing hockey and golf
Favourite dish to cook for other people: Chicken parm
My ideal Saturday afternoon: Round of golf then a backyard bbq with friends and family
Movie title that best describes me: Happy Gilmore
Favourite music artist or band: Tragically Hip
Favourite place to travel: Maui
Netflix or cable TV? Cable
Coffee or tea? coffee
Bieber or T- Swift? T. Swift
If I could invite any two people to dinner it would be: Adam Sandler and Wendel Clark
Favourite thing about being part of the Vancouver Stealth: Getting to play in front of family and friends
Favourite Booster Juice Flavour: Acai Berry
Favourite pre-game meal: Soup and sandwich
Pre-game rituals: Nap/stretch/listen to music
McCready was selected as player of the week on July 8, 2016. This is a look at why he earned that distinction.
McCready
