Season Preview: 'Nothing is given in this league -- everything has to be earned'

The Langley Thunder are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.

After reaching the Western Lacrosse Association finals in three straight seasons, the Thunder took a step back last summer, missing the playoffs.

“Our expectation every season is to compete at the highest level, and getting back to the playoffs is definitely a goal for this group,” said Langley coach Ian Poole. “At the same time, we understand that nothing is given in this league — everything has to be earned through hard work, commitment, and consistency every single day.”

Poole is joined behind the bench by his brother Bryan Poole, who will run the offence, while Andy Oglivie joins the staff as defensive coach.

“One of the biggest lessons we learned from 2025 is just how competitive and tight this league is,” Poole added. “Any team can win on any given night, so success starts with showing up to every practice and every game ready to compete, battle, and play for your teammates.”

The Thunder goaltending receives a major boost with the return of Frank Scigliano, who last suited up for Langley in 2023 when he was named the WLA Goaltender of the Year after posting a 6.59 goals-against average and an .858 save percentage.

Scigliano is also coming off another stellar National Lacrosse League season, finishing among the league’s top 10 in goals-against average, save percentage, and total saves for the Saskatchewan Rush.

Offensively, the Thunder will once again be led by captain Connor Robinson, who paced Langley with 3.5 points per game in 2025, recording 16 goals and 46 points in 13 games. Robinson also continued climbing the North Shore/Langley franchise record book, ranking seventh all-time in points (254) and assists (153). With 101 career goals, he sits just one shy of cracking the franchise’s top 10 in that category as well.

Jon Phillips and Jake Govett return to join Robinson on the left side, while Kyle Brunsch and Nathaniel Kozevnikov provide experience on the right side.

Langley also added a pair of familiar faces through trades, acquiring former Junior Thunder standouts Ryan Martel (left) and Connor Watson (right) to bolster the offence.

Defensively, Reece Callies — who appeared in just one game for Langley in 2025 — returns alongside Evan Messenger. Langley also made a pair of off-season trades, adding Zac Masson and Zack Deaken to give the team four defenders with National Lacrosse League experience.

“Our veteran players bring a calming presence, along with confidence and experience in high-pressure situations,” Poole said. “Their leadership will be extremely important for our younger players, who can lean on that experience and guidance throughout the season.

“Consistency is going to be one of the biggest keys to our success. We know we have the talent — now it’s about showing it on a consistent basis and being ready to battle every game.”

The Thunder open the 2026 season on May 20 when they host the Nanaimo Timbermen at Langley Events Centre. Game time is 7:00pm.

-30-