For the second straight year graduating New Westminster Junior Salmonbellies dominated the Western Lacrosse Association Draft. After last year’s success with Curtis Manning, Alex Turner and Kyle Belton all selected in the first round who would have thought that the 2010 Draft would be even more dramatic.
Going into the Draft the general consensus was that the Bellies’ Kevin Crowley would be the first player selected. The prognosticators had that one correct as the Burnaby Lakers quickly selected Kevin. Kevin was a warrior throughout his career with the Jr. Bellies and his great play when the Senior Bellies called him up for the Mann Cup and he more than held his own in that riveting series with Brantford, made this selection a no brainer.
There was less certainty regarding the second pick but with former Jr. Bellies’ defensive coach, Shaun Springett now coaching in Langley it was no big surprise when the Thunder announced that they had selected the Jr. Bellies defensive star Brett Mydske. Brett, who is currently playing in the National Lacrosse League with Edmonton, was on hand to don the Langley jersey and accept congratulations from the large number of Bellies staff in attendance.
Maple Ridge had the third pick and wasted little time selecting Bellies scoring ace Curtis Dickson. With a great scoring touch and as tough as nails as was witnessed in his courageous injury plagued performance in last seasons playoffs, Curtis will be a WLA star for years to come.
If young players needed any further evidence that playing for the Jr. Bellies is a great steppingstone in furthering their lacrosse careers, they need look no further than the fact that all 2009 graduating Bellies were selected.
Ben Davies was selected in the second round, tenth over all, by Maple Ridge. Payton Sanders went in the third round, seventeenth over all to the Senior Bellies. Neil Tyacke also went in the third round to Victoria and Craig Smith was selected in the fifth round by Langley.
All in all it was a great night for our guys.
Best of luck boys!