The Vancouver Stealth have announced that seven players the team selected in the 2015 NLL Draft have agreed to one-year contracts for the 2016 season, pending league approval. The seven draftees will be among the list of players invited to Stealth training camp beginning in late November. The team will announce its full training camp schedule in the coming days.
The Stealth held two second round selections in last week’s draft, using the first of those to select forward Jordan Durston (Wallaceburg, Ontario). The 19th overall pick recorded 64 points (24 goals, 40 assists) in 19 regular season games with the Six Nations Arrows (Ontario Lacrosse Association Junior A), and helped them to a Minto Cup championship registering 63 points (23 goals, 40 assists) in 19 playoff games.
“Being drafted and signing a contract with the Vancouver Stealth is an absolute dream come true. I have always wanted to play in the NLL for as long as I can remember, and for Vancouver to allow me an opportunity to play at the professional level is truly a blessing,” said Durston.
Forward Shayne Adams was the 21st overall selection. Adams split last season with the Oakville Rock (Major Series Lacrosse League) and his hometown St Catharines Saints (Ontario Lacrosse Association Senior B). Adams is looking forward to head west and take the next step in his lacrosse career.
“It is really exciting to be a part of the Stealth organization. As a kid you grow up idolizing these guys in the NLL, so it is pretty unreal. I can’t wait to head out to Vancouver and meet the rest of the guys,” said Adams.
With the 23rd overall selection, the Stealth selected forward Connor Brown (Georgetown, Ontario). Brown, referred to as “a steal at 23” by Stealth Head Coach Dan Perreault, had an outstanding season in 2015 with the Halton Hills Bulldogs (Ontario Junior B Lacrosse League). Brown scored 115 points (51 goals and 64 assists) in the regular season and added another 44 points in nine playoff games. In 2014, he put up 83 points (34 goals and 49 assists) with the Orangeville Northmen (Ontario Junior A Lacrosse League).
“Vancouver was always the team I wanted to play for, and I’m excited for the opportunity and the challenges that lie ahead with my lacrosse career,” said Brown, who is currently playing in his final season in the Ontario Hockey League with the Saginaw Spirit, where he serves as team Captain.
In the fourth round, the Stealth had two selections and drafted defenseman Riley Campbell (Bridgenorth, Ontario) 33rd overall and six picks later, grabbed local product Evan Messenger (Ladner, BC) at 39. Campbell completed a very successful season with the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers (Ontario Lacrosse Association Junior A), while Messenger enjoyed a fantastic year with the Delta Jr. A Islanders (BC Junior A Lacrosse League). Messenger scored 62 points (26 goals and 36 assists) in the regular season and added another 23 points in seven playoff games for the Islanders.
“I have dreamed of playing in the NLL since I was a young boy, and to have the opportunity to play for my hometown team in front of family and friends is something I can’t even explain,” said Messenger.
In the fifth round, the Stealth had two selections and picked tough defenders Ryan Wagner (Niagara on-the Lake, Ontario) 42nd overall and Keegan Letourneau (Brampton, Ontario) with the 46th selection.
The Stealth open the 2016 schedule at the Langley Events Centre on January 9 against the New England Black Wolves at 7:00pm PST.
