Many of the core players from the 2022 TImbermen have graduated to Senior A but the organization still expects to have a strong team for the new BCJALL season which starts on May 7. (Gary Johansen)

By Dan Marshall

Back on the Floor

Nanaimo Junior A Timbermen make personnel changes on and off the floor for 2023

May 7, 2023 | 5:49 AM

NANAIMO — The Junior A Timbermen had an impressive run in 2022 but the organization will have a much different look heading into the new season.

At 10-4 the Tmen finished second in the BCJALL regular season before losing out to the Langley Thunder in the playoff semi finals.

Star players like Ryan Sheridan, Justin Geddie, Jacob Dunbar and Arthur Miller have moved up to Senior A and coach Glenn Clark has has had to take a step back because of other lacrosse commitments.

Timbermen president Chris Bowman says the faces will be different but expectations remain high for 2023.

“I don’t think we’re the number one team going into this year but I really do believe we’ll be one of the top four playoff teams for sure,”

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On the floor the team will be led by veteran defender Levi Verch.

“He’s a team Canada player and arguably one of the top three or four defenders in the country,” Bowman said. “He’ll be our captain this year and a huge resource and leader for the rest of that group back there.”

Offensively Andrew Bowman and Jack Bowie are two very strong returning left handers and Riley Arsenault is a key veteran on the right side of the attack.

An impressive group of Nanaimo Timbermen Tier 1 Junior B players from last season will make the transition to Junior A to bolster the roster.

“Our process is to have our players play B1 for one to two or three years, move up to Junior A and play two or three years and then graduate to our Senior A team. There are some B1 players who are making that jump and they’re more than ready for it.”

Simon Stocks, Julian Kolb will assume the coaching duties with Graden Soucy coming on board behind the bench as well.

Bowman said Stocks and Kolb worked with Glenn Clark last year and the former bench boss will continue to be involved behind the scenes.

“He’ll be mentoring those guys. I’m really confident in that group and they’re all amazing coaches in their own right. They’re great guys and they have a love and passion for the game and great knowledge.”

The Timbermen open the season on Sunday May 7 in Langley with the home opener slated for Wednesday May 10 versus Victoria at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

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