DEADLINE RECAP: Contenders Load Up For Minto Run

Another trade deadline has come and gone, and while there weren't as many big names on the move as in previous seasons, there was still a flurry activity. On one hand, you had contenders continue to load up for a potential run to the Minto Cup, acquiring players from the three clubs already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Those teams - Burnaby, Poco and Delta - were, in turn, able to acquire picks and prospects that will allow them to better compete down the road.

In some cases, they moved on a younger player who will be returned to that club once the season is over. It's an excellent chance for the individual players to gain more experience and skill at the highest level, and it's a good opportunity for the club to see their player develop in an intense playoff atmosphere. Case in point: 2019 BCJALL No. 1 overall draft pick Sam La Roue was shipped from Burnaby to New West. The Salmonbellies will get immediate contributions from a player able to handle the physical and mental rigours of the game, while La Roue will return to the Lakers lineup with a whole new experience under his belt. He then has four seasons to continue to develop with an emerging core, with the playoffs hopefully on the horizon in the next season or two. 

For others, like Clark Walter, it represents one of the last shots at getting to junior lacrosse's grandest stage. Walter has plied his trade with the Saints for years, but the team could never get over the proverbial hump, and now Poco is rebuilding. That set the stage for Walter to move to Langley, but even these types of moves could be seen as perilous. The Thunder are now on the outside looking in when it comes to the race for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Let's take a look at the moves teams made, and how it will impact them going forward. 

COQUITLAM ADANACS (CURRENT RECORD: 15-4, 1ST PLACE)

The Adanacs seem destined to return to another Minto Cup, although it remains to be seen whether it will be as Provincial Champs, or if it will be a repeat of 2016, when they won the whole thing despite losing to the Delta Islanders in the BCJALL Finals. Coquitlam doesn't have many holes, but the ones they did have, have seemingly been filled. The A's added some depth pieces, as well as some offensive players that could provide some more secondary scoring, such as Haiden Dickson. The former Islander currently ranks third in goals with 46.

One player to watch going down the stretch is Braydon Cresswell. The former Orangeville product had been playing with the Mimico Mountaineers until his rights were acquired by the A's ahead of the interprovincial deadline. Cresswell has chipped in with seven goals and 11 points in nine games this season, but has proven in the past he can add more than enough scoring. He was a part of the Northmen team that had the epic five-game final with Coquitlam at the LEC back in '16.

LANGLEY THUNDER (CURRENT RECORD: 11-8, 5TH PLACE)

As mentioned, the Thunder are currently out of the playoff picture, but a lot can change in the final weeks of the season. And it won't be because of a lack of trying on the part of management. They've brought in big names all season, including Ryan Jones, Walter and Carson Rees, but have been done in by a lot of the same issues that plagued them last season: inconsistency. You can argue this group is one of the most talented the Thunder have had in years, but it may not matter much at the end of the day if they don't get a sniff at the playoffs.

While the team sorely misses Nathaniel Kozevnikov, who hasn't been in the lineup since a May 19th win over the Victoria Shamrocks. Since that game, Langley has gone 5-7 since that injury, but it's hard to say whether that inconsistency is due to his absence, the team's inability to gel, or just pure luck. Realistically, the Thunder did not give up much to acquire the assets they did, the biggest asset they gave up was either a 2020 2nd round pick or a guy like Ty Ewen who has flashed potential in his young career. 

NANAIMO TIMBERMEN (CURRENT RECORD: 12-7, 4TH PLACE)

The only team not to add any significant pieces for the stretch run was the Nanaimo Timbermen, and judging by their record and recent play, that may turn out to be a great idea. Nanaimo has been the surprise of the league ever since defeating the Adanacs twice in a row on home soil. They are also hampered a bit by the fact that their geographical location doesn't do them any favours. It's a tough sell for Mainland players to make a short-term move, and beyond that, there was likely nothing that T-Men brass thought would be a significant upgrade over their current roster.

One thing they likely could have used, and it will be tested if they do indeed make the playoffs, is depth as a whole, especially on the defensive side. Nanaimo has allowed the third-most goals in the league this season, but as long as the O keeps firing on all cylinders like it has been, it may not matter much.

NEW WESTMINSTER SALMONBELLIES (CURRENT RECORD: 13-6, 3RD PLACE)

New Westminster are safely on the right side of the playoff picture, and were one of the busiest teams in trying to find and add talent. They have been stockpiling assets since the start of the year, and have hit the maximum allowable transfers from outside of BC, signing the likes of Cam Garlin, Jordan Trottier and new goaltender Kyle Hebert, signed after Braydon Bell didn't quite work out as Erik Kratz's replacement. 

The 'Bellies have one of the deepest teams and only added to that at the deadline by adding the likes of La Roue, Ty Yanko and Gabe Procyk, while also bringing back Mack Burns and reigning DPOY Patrick Shoemay after bringing them in from Burnaby last season. That depth will be tested though, as everyone will be chomping at the bit to play, but if New West wants to be in the Minto, they will want to use every last bit of it to get there. 

VICTORIA SHAMROCKS (CURRENT RECORD: 13-6, 2ND PLACE)

There are many people around the league that hold the belief that Victoria has one of the best offences in the league, and also represent the best chance to upend the Adanacs in the playoffs. That's why it makes sense that the green and white preferred to mostly hold on their draft picks and prospects and look in-house in order to earn a trip to the Mainland in August.

The Shamrocks are loaded with talent, and although we can say that every year, they're playing with the confidence of one of the best teams in the league. They still show signs of slipping up - they were soundly beaten by the 'Bellies on Father's Day - but they are one of the more consistent clubs in the league. While the 'Rocks were pretty inactive trade-wise, one of their acquisitions may prove to be a smart one. They brought in goaltender Brody Harris from Delta to backup Cameron Dunkerley. Dunk is having a much improved regular season, but bringing in Harris as insurance ensures the Shamrocks don't feel like they have to make a panic move that could potentially alter a playoff series completely.