On June 27, 2013 the Stealth organization once again shocked fans with the announcement that they would be moving the franchise from Everett, WA to Langley B.C. There were rumors and speculation leading up to the move, that the team was on borrowed time. With a sweet deal in place that their current home Comcast Arena could not match, it was a no brainer for the organization. With the move came the same roadblocks they had tackled just four-year prior. Mobilizing their office space/staff/equipment, setting up new infrastructure, marketing, sales, and sponsorship, etc. etc.
Fast forward: September 2013, with all that is going on to set up the staff for success, newly appointed President Doug Locker has also got to focus on the NLL Entry Draft. Knowing first hand the preparation that Doug and the Stealth coaching staff put into their scouting during the WLA summer season, I was excited to see what crop of rookies they picked up, as well as any dark horses in the draft. With Cody Bremner, Nick Weiss, and Tyler Digby as Vancouver’s first three picks in the draft I knew Doug Locker had done it again. Bremner and Digby both are finding significant roles on the Stealth squad out the gate, with Weiss contributing the last few games so far this season.
I had the chance to catch up with Doug Locker this week and asked him about both Bremner and Digby.
Q: What stood out the most to you, the coaching staff in both Bremner and Digby that made you jump on them in the draft?
A: Cody is a proven goal scorer, tough competitor, with WLA experience. With Digby you get his size, great hands, and very good speed.
Q: What has impressed you the most since the start of the season, as far as their transition to the NLL?
A: Both have made the transition very well and continue to use their strengths to their advantage. For Tyler, he is using his size really well to not only score, but also opens things up for Rhys Duch. Cody is a gritty, physical player that compliments our left side well. He is very versatile being able to play a number of different roles for us offensively.
After seven games played, and both having their greatest success early on, both have continued to show that they deserve to be on an NLL roster. Bremner sits with 6 G, 9 A, and Digby with 11 G, 11 A. If the Stealth can get it together and start firing on all cylinders I see another group of Locker draftees thriving in the NLL for years to come.
