Khan a first-round pick by hometown Warriors

Marcus Khan’s next chapter in lacrosse will take place close to home after he was selected in the first round of the National Lacrosse League Draft by the Vancouver Warriors.

The draft was held on September 24.

Khan – who played for the Langley Minor Lacrosse Association and more recently with the Langley Junior Thunder – called it a surreal moment to be drafted by his hometown team.

While hearing his name called in the first round was a significant milestone, Khan said he has always believed playing professionally was within reach.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Khan. “I always thought it was realistic, and I think that’s what pushed me to get here,” he said. “Just always knowing something like this is possible if I work hard enough.”

Khan will learn from Warriors’ goaltender Christian Del Bianco, arguably one of the top players at his position in the sport.

“Delbs is one of – if not the best -- goalies in the world,” said Khan. “Now I have a chance to work and learn from him.”

He will also train under Warriors Player Development coach Tyler Richards, a former goaltender himself and another name in lacrosse circles Khan is familiar with.

“Tyler has done so many amazing things throughout his playing and coaching career, and I can’t wait to be a part of it,” Khan said. “He is a great guy; very down to earth and helps anyone who asks, and I can’t wait to see what he has to teach me.”

Khan split last season in the BC Junior A Lacrosse League with Langley and the Coquitlam Adanacs with an 6.95 goals against average and an .859 save percentage during the regular season, plus 8.83 GAA and .799 save percentage in the playoffs.

“Marcus is one of the top goalies in the BC Junior A Lacrosse League. We have been watching him for many years,” said Warriors coach Curt Malawsky on the team’s website. “I think he throws the ball extremely well (and) he’s got huge upside.

“He’s grown up watching the Warriors (so) it’s pretty cool to draft another local guy.”

With training camp set for the end of October ahead of the start of the NLL regular season in December, Khan plans to continue building on the work that led to his selection.

“Continue trusting the process,” he said. “Working out, practicing, studying game film. Anything I can think of to get better, I will do.”

Khan will enter the professional ranks with advice from his older brother Caleb, who experienced his own rookie season in the NLL  as a goaltender in the Las Vegas Desert Dogs organization during the 2025/26 NLL season. Caleb was also a first round pick, being selected 17^th overall in 2025.

“The biggest thing is that anytime you find an open net or open floor time, you take it, and you get reps,” Marcus said of advice he received from Caleb.

The brothers are also teammates with the Junior Thunder, the team whose head coach – Matt Beers – is Marcus’ new teammate with the Warriors.

“I actually think it’s going be the opposite,” said Khan when asked about any potential awkwardness sharing a dressing room with his junior coach. “I think it’s only going to build our bond stronger and give us that much more trust on and off the floor.”

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