This past week the New Westminster Salmonbellies traded star goalie Tyler Richards to the Burnaby Lakers. Richards sat out last season and the Bellies still got picks out of the trade. We caught up with New West GM Dan Richardson to discuss the trade.
1. Why the trade?
Tyler made it clear to the organization he wasn’t going to play for us in 2014 or beyond.
2. How do you think the Bellies will benefit?
We never hold players back who don’t want to be with us, so once that was clear we made enquiries around the league and got what we think is the best deal for us moving forward . We now have 2 first rounder’s in 2014 and 2015 which will bring us 4 very good young players.
3. What did Richards mean to the organization?
Well I think its a two way street. He meant a lot to the organization and I hope the organization meant a lot to him. 6 teams had a chance to draft him , and they didn’t . We took him in the 3rd round of his draft year, and gave him a chance to play in front of at the time was one of Canada’s best and biggest defence. So as much as Tyler meant a lot to our organizations 3 year run at the Mann Cup , the organization also played a big part in his development and maturity as a big time stopper in our league and the NLL
4. How do you look to replace him?
Neil Tyacke was our goaltender last year, he was our Clubs MVP in 2013. We will see what happens at the draft In February and go from there.
5. How important were getting the two picks?
Very important, this year but more importantly for the 2015 draft which we believe will be a strong class.
6. Are you aware if Richards will play this season?
You would have to ask Burnaby that, I’m not allowed to comment on players who are not Salmonbellies.We have very good core of young players lead by the likes of Logan Schuss, Jeff Cornwall , Keegan BAL and Reid Mydske to build off of our returning coaches are excited about adding to the stable of young guns and look to get our club back into contention this year.
