The New Westminster Salmonbellies had a rough year in the Western Lacrosse Association in 2012, not making the playoffs after having been in the finals the season before. This led to some coaching staff changes.
“Ken Thomas advised me he was stepping down a couple weeks ago, so with that news and some feedback that I had rec’d from our players on what they wanted for 2013, it was decided by the organization to make a wholesale change in our direction as it relates to our coaching staff.” says team general manager Dan Richardson.
“We missed the playoffs on 2012, and our Organization had to look at everything we did on and off the floor and that process is continuing as we speak. The draft will bring change, the coaches will bring change , and the 25 players that were on the floor will not be the same when we start in 2013. We expect a turnover of anywhere from 5 to 10 players year over year. That will be determined by the new coaches and the which players , returning veterans or new drafted players and who wants it the most. After coming off a non playoff year I would say none of the 25 spots open are safe.”
New Westminster had two first rounders and two second rounders as they rebuild, and Richardson says that is no accident.
“We were setting ourselves up for the 2013 draft for a few years now, that is why you saw us have 2 First rounders and 2 second rounders , this was a very deep draft. We needed to address our left side both offence and defense, and we believe based on our scouts assessments we cam away with the best player in the draft Logan Schuss offensive Lefty , the best Transition D in Jeff Cornwall Lefty, and the Best D Man Reid Mydske Lefty. So were very happy. Then we added some depth in very athletic skilled players in Keegan Bal and Reagan Harding and a tough grinder D Man in Matt Zinn”
Cornwall has played in the NLL while Schuss plays at Ohio State and was drafted into the MLL this season as well. Overall, Richardson said these moves, along with others, will help the ‘Bellies bounce back.
“By making changes, and I think the changes we have made so far, start to address that.” said Richardson after being asked about how to rebound from last season.
“We have to buy into the new coaches staff philosophy, we have to be fit, we have to be committed, we have to be accountable, we have to play for the player beside you, we need to come together as a team , and we need to think about the Logo on the front of our Jersey and what it stands for. Don’t take anything for granted. If we do those things then I like our chances.”
