Lockwood chosen first overall as Thunder add four first-round picks

Ram Tomas (left to right beginning from fourth from left), Jeremy Dybwad and Connor Twaites were among the seven new players chosen by the Langley Thunder at the BC Junior A Lacrosse League Entry Draft on January 17 at Langley Events Centre. Ryan Molag photo

Armed with a bevy of high picks, the Langley Junior Thunder added elite talent to their draft haul on Saturday afternoon at the BC Junior A Lacrosse League Entry Draft, held at Langley Events Centre.

The Thunder controlled the top of the draft, holding four of the first five selections in an event open to B.C.-born players from the 2009 birth year whose minor lacrosse association does not have a Junior A team within their town or city.

With the first overall pick, Langley selected William (Liam) Lockwood VI out of Ridge Meadows.

“Liam is an elite two-way player with exceptional lacrosse IQ, vision, and competitiveness,” said Thunder General Manager Ryan Williams. “He makes everyone around him better with his ability to distribute the ball, and when teams try to take that away, he has the skills and confidence to score himself. His awareness and anticipation also translate extremely well on the defensive side of the floor.”

“Liam is very well deserving of the top pick,” added Thunder head coach Matt Beers. “He’s one of those kids who can contribute on the back end as well as on offence. He comes from a very good family with a strong lacrosse lineage, and I expect him to come in and make an impact wherever he’s needed.”

Langley’s remaining first-round selections were Josiah Allen (Mission), Ram Tomas (Surrey), and Jeremy Dybwad (Ridge Meadows), taken second, fourth, and fifth overall, respectively.

Allen is another high-end two-way player who brings versatility, intelligence, and competitiveness every shift, with the ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor and on face-offs.

Tomas is known for his relentless motor, combining edge, speed, and quick footwork with a strong ability to win loose balls—key attributes for an effective defender.

Dybwad adds a strong physical presence on the back end, along with excellent stick skills. He reads the play well and makes smart decisions, particularly in transition and on breakouts.

The Thunder also held the eighth overall pick in the first round but dealt it to the Victoria Shamrocks in exchange for Victoria’s first-round selection in the 2029 draft. Future considerations were also included in the deal.

Elsewhere in the first round, the Port Coquitlam Saints selected Colton Craiggs (Ridge Meadows) third overall, while the Delta Islanders chose Sebastian Saunders-Quintero (Chilliwack) and Kingston Hebner (Ridge Meadows) at sixth and seventh overall, respectively. Victoria rounded out the opening round by selecting Ripley Wyker (Saanich).

With their remaining selections, the Thunder added Carter Ramsbottom (Port Moody, second round), Connor Twaites (Ridge Meadows, fifth round), and Grady Bourne (Richmond, sixth round).

“I feel like we addressed our needs in terms of succession planning and depth,” said Beers. “But we also added some tremendous lacrosse players throughout the draft. Our staff has worked extremely hard to do their due diligence and select players who give us the best chance to win a Minto Cup.”

For full draft results, click here.

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