By Dan Marshall

Nanaimo Timbermen well represented on NLL pro lacrosse teams

Dec 7, 2017 | 10:12 AM

NANAIMO — Lacrosse fans from the Harbour City will have extra interest in the opening game of the National Lacrosse League season on Friday.
 
When the Vancouver Stealth host the Colorado Mammoth in Langley, the Mammoth could have as many as four members of the Nanaimo Timbermen in their lineup.
 
Jordan Gilles, Taylor Stuart, Brody Eastwood, and Ryan Lee are all on the Colorado roster and that is a point of pride for Timbermen president Chris Bowman.
 
“We’re lucky to have four guys playing there this year. I’m actually going to go over there and watch them play. I’m excited to see those guys get a shot and take their game to that next level,” said Bowman.
 
Timbermen defender Tyson Roe is on the practice roster for the Stealth and Bowman believes the 6’10 Duncan product may be able to work his way into Vancouver’s lineup.
 
“He’s been working so hard the last few offseasons to get that shot,” Bowman said. “He’s a young guy, he brings a different dimension than a lot of players do because of his size and strength. When he hit’s somebody – they move. You can’t teach that. If he gets a shot I think he’ll really impress people and get to stay on that roster.”
 
The Timbermen’s Chase Fraser has made the Buffalo Bandits roster after being selected 13th overall in the NLL draft in September.
 
Bowman and Fraser chatted recently about the challenge that lies ahead for the 2017 WLA Rookie of the Year.
 
“He’s pretty excited. We were joking and I said you’ve got the WLA Rookie of the Year and now I want to see the NLL Rookie of the Year hanging on your wall at home too. I know he’s been working really hard and he’s in the best shape of his life,” stated Bowman.
 
Victoria native Adam Jay is the other player to catch on with an NLL organization.
 
He dropped 25 pounds in the offseason and is signed to the practice roster with the Toronto Rock.
 
Jay was selected 16th overall by the Tmen in 2017 WLA draft and got into 16 games in his rookie Senior A campaign.
 
With seven Timbermen players signed by NLL teams there will be plenty of interest in the pro game in Nanaimo this year.
 
It’s a bonus that local fans can make the trip and see four of their own playing just across the water on opening night.
 
 
dan@nanaimonewsnow.com
 
On twitter: @danmarshall77