The New Westminster Salmonbellies added the top two scorers in the B.C. Junior Lacrosse League to its already productive lineup.
The junior A 'Bellies dealt Jake Carey and newcomer Ryan Vogrig to the Delta Islanders for the playing rights to Eli McLaughlin and league scoring leader Cody Nass for the remainder of the 2013 season and playoffs.
McLaughlin, a 19-year-old lefthander, currently leads the league in goal scoring with 52 goals in 18 games and a blistering 38.24 shot percentage.
Nass, an under-age first-year, 6-1 righty, leads all junior A shooters with 37 goals and 101 total points so far this season.
"We have to win our way in (to the Minto Cup)," New Westminster head coach Dan Perreault said, regarding the opportunity to add two key players, particularly a much needed righthander, to the lineup.
"We're pretty excited to add player like that and to have the depth now."
McLaughlin also has a connection to the Royal City, having attended high school in New Westminster.
Carey played in 10 games for the New West club this season but has not registered a point.
Vogrig has three goals and and eight assists in seven appearances with the 'Bellies.
"The deal adds depth to our team and allows us an extra push as we will soon enter the playoffs ready to compete for the western championships and a berth into the 2013 Minto Cup right here in our own building, Queens Park Arena," Salmonbellies general manager Doug Zack stated in a club press release.
McLaughlin leads all shooters on special teams with 17 goals on the extra man. He also has eight counters while shorthanded and has registered nine hat tricks so far this summer.
Since last season, McLaughlin has tallied 98 goals in playoffs and the regular season with the Islanders, as well as 17 more in two seasons as a callup.
New Westminster is currently on a nine-game win streak and leads the league with 221 goals and in power-play goals scored, with 49.
The junior A trade deadline is Sunday, June 30.
