The Burnaby Lakers made a move to further strengthen its 2014 Western Lacrosse Association chances.
Last year’s third-place-finishing Lakers acquired defender Chris O’Dougherty from the Nanaimo Timbermen on May 9 for a second-round draft pick in 2015.
Entering his fourth season in the WLA, O’Dougherty scored two goals, including one shorthanded marker, with five points in nine games with the T-Men last year.
Originally from New Jersey, O’Dougherty is now the varsity head field lacrosse coach at Eastlake High School in Washington.
He was an all-state first team high school player at Seton Hall and a three-time Eastern College conference honouree.
After graduation, O’Dougherty was selected 31st overall by the Denver Outlaws in Major League Lacrosse.
In the National Lacrosse League, he was picked up in the sixth round by the then Washington Stealth, where he helped the franchise to a league title in 2010 and as runner-up the following season.
“We feel fortunate to have someone who brings leadership and championship experience,” said Burnaby assistant coach Cam Sedgwick.
“With Chris in the lineup, we are adding a top end shut down defender who competes hard and is tough to play against,” said Lakers head coach Rory McDade.
The Burnaby Lakers open their WLA season against the New Westminster Salmonbellies at Queen’s Park Arena on Thursday, May 29.
Burnaby’s home opener is against Nanaimo on Friday, May 30 at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre.
