By Cheryl Brown
When a player ages out of junior lacrosse they become eligible for the senior lacrosse draft. It is a stressful and exciting time for these young men. Most, if not all former Junior Shamrocks dreamt about playing with the Senior Rocks. Players grew up attending the Senior Shamrock games and many of their idols have played or still play with them. Going into the 2020 Western Lacrosse Association Draft there were eight graduated Junior Shamrocks up for grabs by the seven teams in the WLA. For the first time in draft history, teams were able to protect a player within their zone and if they did not they could choose a player in the new compensatory round. The Sr. Shamrocks did not choose to protect a player which meant that all eight of the recently aged out Junior Shamrocks were up for grabs.
The Nanaimo Timbermen chose former Jr. Rock Assistant Captain and current National Lacrosse League player (Toronto Rock) Zach Manns 3rd in the Compensatory round which keeps him on the island and close to home.
Former Assistant Captain Ben Preston is off to the Coquitlam Adanacs on the mainland after being picked 20th overall in round 3. Also, in round 3 and 24th overall saw former Jr. Shamrock Captain Brian Robb going to the hometown team the Victoria Shamrocks.
Brian who attends the University of Indianapolis was away at school when the news came in. “It is such a great opportunity to be drafted by one of the most prestigious lacrosse teams in Canada,” said Brian when asked about how he felt about being drafted to the Rocks. “Playing for the Senior Shamrocks has been a dream of mine since I started playing mini tyke, and the fact that I get to wear green along with some of the best lacrosse players in the world is very surreal feeling for me”.
Brian’s dad, Doug Robb is known for his booming cheer “Goooooo Shamrocks” in the arena’s where his son is playing and fans are pleased to know it will continue into Senior Shamrock games.
Nick Murray one of the popular players amongst his teammates on the juniors was snagged by the Shamrocks in round 6 and 47th overall.
Round 7 and 48th pick had Jake Campbell heading to the mainland to join Ben Preston with the Adanacs and the 54th pick saw Clark Pickup going to his hometown team the Shamrocks.
Six of the eight draft-eligible players were picked up which is a testament to the program the Junior Shamrocks have and continue to build in Victoria.
The BCJALL season will start at the end of April. Follow the Victoria Junior Shamrocks Facebook page, Instagram @jr_shamrocks and website shamrocks.bcjall.com for more information about season ticket specials, special promotional days, schedule and sponsorship information
