Training camp has been competitive and fast paced with many talented players battling for spots. The Players have all really shown the intensity and effort the coaching staff has been looking for and the players have all worked really hard. Knowing how competitive things are, guys gave it there all. Rookies, Nick Weiss, Cody Bremner and Chris Wardle had really good weekends making an impression with strong showings.
Management loved what they saw from the core defenders like Sorensen, Grimes, Moleski, O’Dougherty, Hodgson and company. Tyler Richards was very good in net and the newly acquired Ilia Gajic was impressive showing great versatility. New veterans in camp Jamie Shewchuck and Alex Gajic looked like they could fit in the mix and offensively the stealth’s big guns were on point. Iannucci, Ratcliff and Duch looked very good shooting the ball as always.
The Vancouver Stealth have taken the first step to being in the championship game again this year, and the team looks solid. Defensively speaking it will be especially difficult to win a starting job. I am willing to bet there’s 2 jobs up for grabs but anything is possible. Judging from camp I would pencil in the lineup with Sorensen, Moleski, Grimes, Beers, Garrison, Ilija Gajic, O’Dougherty, Hodgson. Leaving Salt, Arbogast, Pychel, S Rouse, B Rouse, Goss, Neufeld, Hostrawser, and Hawkins fighting for the final spots if they go with 10 defenders.
Not saying the first 8 are a lock but they are clearly the solid frontrunners. The backbone of any lacrosse team is it’s defense and the Stealth’s D anchored by Tyler Richards in net, looks pretty good. An experienced and talented group, they will not doubt be crucial for success this season. With so few spots available this season expect the intensity to continue moving forward.
