Two thirds of the Nanaimo Timbermen WLA roster will suit up for National Lacrosse League teams this winter. (Gary Johansen)

By Dan Marshall

Well Represented

Several Nanaimo Timbermen players make NLL rosters

Dec 9, 2023 | 7:56 AM

NANAIMO — The number of Nanaimo Senior A Timbermen players in the National Lacrosse League has shot up in recent years.

Timbermen president Chris Bowman said the vast majority of Nanaimo players held a roster spot when the NLL season began on Dec. 1.

“Eighteen players from our 25 man roster are playing in the NLL. It’s pretty impressive. To get to that level five or six years ago it was two or three.”

Bowman said the Timbermen program is gaining more notoriety after back to back 12-6 seasons.

“Us playing well in the playoffs and those guys playing well has really elevated their opportunities. You’ve seen it through the draft and a lot of free agent guys who have deserved a shot.”

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The Timbermen have three players on the rosters of Saskatchewan, Albany and Panther City and two players on Las Vegas and Colorado.

The rest of the 18 NLL players are spread throughout the league.

In the summer of 2023 Zach Manns led the WLA with 89 points and was named the league’s co-MVP.

He NLL rights were traded from Toronto to Saskatchewan in the offseason and he hit the ground running with a six point game in the season opener.

“I think you saw the real true Zach with us this year,” Bowman said. “A fresh start for him in a new city with a new offense has has the opportunity to double his output I think from what he had in Toronto. He’s always been a phenomenal player but this summer he really showcased it and had a big coming out party and I think that will just carry on in Saskatchewan.”

Defender Adam Wiedemann has been the WLA’s top defensive player two years running and Bowman believes he has all the qualities to be dominant in the NLL this year with Georgia.

“It’s the intangibles, the leadership, being a floor general. That part of his game is imperative to success. He’s committed and dedicated and wants to win at all cost. It’s been phenomenal the last two summers watching him play and grow. He coached our B1 program this year and our kids loved him and learned so much.

Bowman said a player to watch this year is Ryan Sheridan.

After a great rookie season with the Timbermen, Sheridan is now into his full pro campaign.

“Ryan Sheridan was the fifth overall pick. I’ve heard some rave reviews coming out of Panther City so it will be interesting to see what he can do.”

The Timbermen went to the 2022 WLA finals and lost out in the 2023 semifinals.

Bowman expects to have the full roster returning to take a run at a championship in 2024.

“It’s a great team and they’re a close knit group of guys. I haven’t heard that anyone is staying home or not coming back. I think there’s some unfinished business and a lot of them want to come and finish that goal and get to the Mann Cup.”

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