The Nanaimo Timbermen have been waiting a long time to play lacrosse, and coaches and management can tell – the players are energized being back on the floor.
The city’s senior A Western Lacrosse Association squad has been practising in recent weeks for the start of summer boxla, which begins this coming weekend.
New coach Tewanee Joseph said he’s impressed with what he’s seen, as players reported in shape and have been fast and focused. He said speed seems to be the team’s greatest strength and that’s the style the T-men want to play, but the coach said he’s always valued a collaborative approach between management, coaches, and even players in developing game plans.
Joseph, who is a member of the Squamish First Nation, said the Timbermen are honoured to play on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw people. He invited Snuneymuxw elders to a recent practice, where they talked to players about how the Creator’s game is a kind of medicine.
“It was a whole different level of lacrosse in that sense of how to look at it…” said Chris Bowman, team president. “Tewanee’s a great teacher and leader.”
The Timbermen made a noteworthy trade this month as they acquired the playing rights of Jeff Shattler from the Maple Ridge Burrards in exchange for transition player Gord Phillips. Shattler, a prolific veteran scorer, was part of the senior B Nanaimo Timbermen during their 2018 season when they hosted President’s Cup nationals and reached the final. Phillips scored 13 points in 18 games with the senior A T-men in 2019.
GAME ON … The Timbermen host the New Westminster Salmonbellies on Saturday, May 28, at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and free for children 12 and under who are accompanied by an adult. For ticket information, visit www.tmen.ca.
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
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