There’s no better way to celebrate Canada’s birthday than by watching the player merry-go-round of a deadline.
Sure, the NHL’s free agent frenzy may garner a lot of the national attention, but it doesn’t have a monopoly on the crucial deadline day. July 1 is also when Western Lacrosse Association clubs see their lineups frozen for the next few months, giving them one last opportunity to sign holdouts, pick up free agents and address needs of the now or the future.
The defending regular season champion Burnaby Lakers, at 4-4 almost midway through the season, are looking to continue the positive vibes from their most recent victory – a 13-10 over Victoria last week – and play Maple Ridge tonight (Friday) at the Copeland Arena.
Lakers general manager Kevin Hill has scored a major coup by bolstering the team’s back line with the signing of National Lacrosse League veteran and Burnaby native Nik Bilic.
The 28-year-old Bilic was part of the Saskatchewan Rush’s 2018 title, and has been part of three league championships.
Bilic, whose rights were acquired last year prior to the start of the 2017 season, will join a defence that has its share of new faces, with the likes of imports Keegan Letourneau, from Six Nations, and A.J. Kluck, a Calgary native who won a Minto Cup with Six Nations.
“(Bilic) is just a fantastic lacrosse player, a veteran who brings a lot to the table,” said Hill. “He’s got a lot of grit and has a presence that’s going to really help.”
Along with the return of transition standout Justin Salt and captain Robert Church, who was also a big part of the Rush’s recent win and who made his season debut last week, Burnaby has patched over some of the holes the team showed in the early going.
Although the Lakers currently sit sixth, at 4-4, in the WLA, the club holds two games in hand on fourth place Nanaimo and is only two points back of third-place Victoria.
New West sits atop the league with a 7-2 record.
Veteran sniper Dane Stevens feels that, even if the team faces an uphill battle to be the last team standing, the squad has plenty of reasons for optimism.
"We could (challenge) for first but I don't know if we can get there this year," said Stevens. "What we're looking to get from this season is experience and chemistry. You never say never, because crazy things can happen, but with the Mann Cup (hosted by Ontario) this year it's always difficult."
Hill said because of the team's slow start other general managers have been inquiring as to whether Burnaby would be willing to part ways with players for draft picks.
“We’ve been getting calls from other teams about our players, but the league is so tight that it makes no sense to be (selling),” said Hill. “Right now, our focus is on what our needs are now. We’ll consider long-term opportunities, but we’re looking for what can help us today.”
WLA teams must have players signed to cards prior to the July 1 deadline for them to be eligible for playoffs. Players must also dress in four league games to qualify for the post-season.
Burnaby’s inactive list – which includes holdouts and those taking the year off due to other commitments – features such prominent players from last year’s run as Josh Byrne (playing in the pro field league back east and selected to Canada’s national field team), Tyler Digby and Matt Beers.
Hill said the new additions, including a group taken in the 2018 WLA draft, have filled the gap and made nice adjustments to the senior A circuit.
“We’re really happy with the players we took in the draft, despite not having any picks until the fifth round,” said Hill. “(Brine Rice, Tommy Robertson and Alex Bodin) are young guys who really play the game hard. They’ve been great additions.”
Getting into the playoffs is the target, he added.
Stevens noted having Church and Salt in the lineup last week were a big boost, and the new players are fitting in well. While the current season is still in play, he's excited about the future, too.
"This year is all about getting some good experience and ride the wave. This is the most fun I've had in a while."
After hosting Maple Ridge tonight, the Lakers head out to the Valley on Tuesday for the other half of the back-to-back series. On July 6, Burnaby will take on league-leading New West at the Copeland.
