Thunder Set the Pace At the WLA Draft

by Trevor McManus

Langley, BC (February 16, 2017)– It was one of the busiest days for a team in the Western Lacrosse Association’s draft history. The Langley Thunder drafted 13 players at the 2017 WLA Draft.

With the first overall pick the Thunder chose Tyler Pace. He is very familiar with the Langley Events Centre. Pace led the Coquitlam Adanacs to a Minto Cup victory inside the same building that the Thunder call home. In seven games, he scored 8 goals, 8 assists for 16 points in the Minto Cup tournament.

“Tyler Pace is a born leader and we are very excited to have him apart of our team,” said Head Coach Darcy Rhodes. “He is familiar with the Langley Events Centre and we hope he can walk on and make a difference this season.”

Langley rounded out the first round with Reece Callies at number four, Jordan Magnuson at number five and Johnny Pearson at number six. In the second round, they had three more picks, with the first pick in the second round and 8^th overall Langley drafted Keegan Rittinger, followed by Junior Thunder-alum Cody Teichroeb at 11^th, and Aidan Milburn with the 13^th pick.

In the last six rounds the Thunder selected Tanner Rennick 20^th overall, Brodie Porter 21^st, Conner Stroup at 29^th, Tylor MacLeod 36^th, Dereck Downs 43^rd, and another Junior Thunder-alum Dylan Lacroix with their final pick in the 8^th round 50^th overall.

“We are more than pleased with the picks we made today,” said General Manager Rob Buchan. We did exactly what we wanted to do and that was turn the team around, add depth and bring in winners. When it comes to chemistry and character, I think we won the 2017 Draft.”

The Langley Thunder open their season up with a pair of games on the road. The Thunder visit the Victoria Shamrocks on Friday, May 19, 2017 and the following week continue their Island trip with a game in Nanaimo against the Timbermen on Sunday, May 28, 2017. The home opener inside the Langley Events Centre takes place on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 when the Thunder host the Maple Ridge Burrards.

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For More Information:
Trevor McManus, Langley Events Centre, C: 778.881.6367, Trevor McManus
Rob Buchan, Langley Thunder, Rob Buchan