They could only watch others feast during the first four rounds of the Western Lacrosse Association’s junior draft last week.
But once they got their turn, the Burnaby Lakers filled their plate with a solid sampling of incoming potential for the 2018 season.
The Lakers, who moved their first four selections in a series of trades over the past few years, had to sit before taking former junior Laker Tyler Vogrig with the 35th pick.
It was a long wait.
“It didn’t make it so much as difficult as it made for a long night,” Burnaby general manager Kevin Hill said.
Vogrig, a righthander who could use Ricky Nelson’s Travelin’ Man tune for walk-up music, has used a road map when it comes to lacrosse. This past year he played for Delta. In just six games, the 21-year-old struck for 11 goals, before suffering a knee injury.
He also played for Coquitlam’s juniors, but his best season in the circuit was as an aged-up rookie in Burnaby when he tallied 33 goals in 15 games.
“He’s known as a goal scorer and a good all-round player,” noted Hill. “If he’s able to play (this season) we figure he could be a good fit for us and bolster our depth.”
He transferred to the University of Charlotte, after starting his post-secondary studies and athletic career with High Point University.
Burnaby used its second selection, 42nd overall, on New West’s Tommy Robertson, a six-foot-three defender who plays an old-fashioned game. He only tallied one goal over the past three seasons, but worked his way up the ladder with the perennial playoff team.
“He’s a big, strong kid who is a very good athlete,” said Hill, noting Robinson is at the University of Windsor where he plays on the football team. “When we talked with anybody about (Robertson), it was always mentioned that he’s a great team player.”
Two choices later, at 44th overall, they scooped up Quebec native Brine Rice, who spent the past two summers with the junior ‘Bellies.
“We were quite surprised that (Rice) was still available, because when we talked to him he said he wanted to play (in B.C.). He’s quite the dynamic player who back east was a big goal scorer who with New West played a transition game.”
Rice contributed four goals and 19 assists over 14 games this season, after debuting in 2016 with two goals and two assists over three games. In the playoffs, the lefthander put up a goal-a-game pace.
Burnaby used its next two picks on a pair of defenders from the league champion Adanacs roster.
At 49th overall, they chose Alex Bodin, and wrapped up the draft by tabbing Julian Infanti with the 56th pick.
“When we brought (new assistant coach) Kyle Sorenson onboard we picked his brain and he recommended (Bodin and Infanti),” said Hill. “They’re both good sturdy defensively responsible players. (Infanti) is nothing flashy but just goes about his job and is good in the room.”
Both are known for being strong on their feet.
Hill said the focus for the day was to pile up some depth pieces who can push for a role in camp, with an eye at getting a chance to stick around when the regular season starts May 23 in Langley. With a number of Lakers playing in the National Lacrosse League, there could be as many as six positions open for new players to demonstrate their skills.
“I think they have a shot,” Hill said, referring to his five selections. “I wouldn’t say none of our draft picks won’t have a shot but our goal is to be competitive and be one of the better teams in the league again this (coming) season. … I think we did very well for the opportunities we had.”
The first junior Laker taken in the draft was Brad Rowbotham, chosen 17th overall by Nanaimo.
