Josh Gabriele (L) and Ben Musso (R) were drafted fourth and eleventh overall in the WLA draft by the Nanaimo Timbermen.The pair along with territorial pick Aidan Collery will add to the Tmen transition game in 2025. (Nanaimo Timbermen)

By Dan Marshall

Draft Day

Timbermen focus on transition players at the 2025 WLA draft

Feb 1, 2025 | 9:51 AM

NANAIMO — The Nanaimo Timbermen selected seven players to their roster through the WLA draft, including three excellent transition defenders.

With their territorial protection pick Nanaimo secured the rights of Aidan Collery from the Junior A team.

Collery’s acquisition signalled a trend of the Timbermen adding players with speed who can move the ball up the floor quickly.

On draft day Jan. 28 the Tmen made an early trade getting a 2026 first round draft pick to trade down from two to four in the first round.

With their first pick fourth overall Nanaimo selected Josh Gabriele from the Burnaby Junior Lakers and Drexel University.

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Gabriele is excited to bring his transition game to the Timbermen.

“Nanaimo I think is a really good fit for me and I can’t wait to get to the island and start playing, I think I’m a good transition threat, I can get up the floor pretty fast. I can put the ball in the net and help create offense.”

At 11th overall the Timbermen chose Ben Musso out of the Coquitlam Adanacs Junior program.

Musso plays a similar role and has known Gabriele for a long time.

He’s looking forward to the two becoming teammates and also getting to learn from the veteran defenders on the Nanaimo roster.

“I’m pretty excited for a fresh start and a new team. I can’t wait to get to work. I like to push the pace, I like transition and I like to the get do the dirty areas.”

Later in the draft with a second round supplementary pick, the Tmen took Anahalihs Doxtator from the Poco Junior Saints and then added Victoria Junior Dylan Johannes in round three.

Both of those players will add to Nanaimo’s offensive depth.

Nanaimo’s final selections were Liam Quinn from the Junior A Timbermen and goalie Jake Colley from the B1 Tmen.

Just ahead of the draft Nanaimo made a significant trade to bring in Bobby Kidd from the Senior A Lakers in exchange for Ethan Ticehurst.

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