The Vancouver Stealth announced today the active roster and practice roster for the upcoming 2016 season.
The team is led by major off-season acquisition Garrett Billings, Stealth all-time goals, assists, and points leader Rhys Duch, and 2014 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Rookie of the Year Logan Schuss.
“Our 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. I can’t wait for the season to start on January 9,” said Stealth President and General Manager Doug Locker.
In total, 16 players are returning from a season ago that were either on the active or practice roster. It 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’sdraft class. Fifth round pick Ryan Wagner will begin the season on the practice roster.
For Locker and the rest of the staff, getting down 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. 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.”
2016 Vancouver Stealth roster:
Forwards (7): Garrett Billings, Rhys Duch, Jordan Durston, Joel McCready, Logan Schuss, Corey Small, Cliff Smith.
Defensemen (6): Matt Beers, Curtis Hodgson, Ian Hawksbee, Brier Jonathan, Jeff Moleski, Chris O’Dougherty.
Transition (5): Brandon Clelland, Travis Cornwall, Tyler Garrison, Mitch McMichael, Justin Salt.
Goaltenders (2): Chris Levis, Eric Penney.
Practice roster (4): Keegan Bal (F), Cody Hagedorn (G), Jarrett Toll (T), Ryan Wagner (D).
Injured Reserve (2): Tyler Hass (T), Rory Smith (D).
