Malawsky among key returnees for Junior Thunder

The Langley Junior Thunder are gearing up for the 2025 BC Junior A Lacrosse League season, with high hopes for a return to the postseason. A trio of key returnees are back in the fold, bringing championship experience and leadership to the squad, while a pair of off-season acquisitions promise to add depth and a new dynamic to both the offense and defense.

At the forefront of the Thunder’s roster is the return of their captain, Cody Malawsky. A pivotal figure in the Thunder’s lineup, Malawsky’s 2024 season took an unexpected turn when he was traded to the Coquitlam Adanacs at the trade deadline. There, he played a critical role in the team’s triumphant run to both the BCJALL championship and the prestigious Minto Cup. In total, Malawsky posted an impressive 12 goals and 28 points over the course of eight regular season games – four with Langley and four with Coquitlam. His performance only improved in the postseason, racking up 12 goals and 25 points in seven playoff games before capping off his remarkable summer with 9 goals and 22 points in five Minto Cup games.

Now, in his fifth and final season with Langley, Malawsky is eager to bring that championship pedigree back to the Thunder. With his wealth of experience, he will look to guide Langley’s young talent, fostering a positive team dynamic and a drive to return to the playoffs in 2025. His leadership and offensive capabilities are sure to play a key role in the Thunder's success this season.

Joining Malawsky on the returnees list are Ben Gagnon and Graysen Balatti, two defensive stalwarts who are expected to anchor the Thunder’s back end. Both Gagnon and Balatti spent part of the 2024 season with the Burnaby Lakers, with Gagnon earning the prestigious Junior Thunder Team MVP title in 2023. Gagnon, a second-round pick (12th overall) by Langley in 2021, and Balatti, a first-round pick (7th overall) in 2022, are two of the most reliable defenders in the league. As part of a trade deal with Burnaby, Balatti’s twin brother, Ronan, who was selected 11th overall in the 2022 draft, is returning to Langley as well, giving the Thunder a formidable family duo on defense. The two brothers, alongside Gagnon, will be tasked with fortifying Langley’s defense while spearheading the team’s fast-paced transition game. Their ability to move the ball quickly up the floor will be essential as Langley aims to increase offensive production while maintaining a tight defensive structure.

In addition to the key returnees, Langley made an important off-season move by acquiring Kade Hoogstraten from the Delta Junior Islanders in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. A second-round pick in 2022, Hoogstraten has primarily been on the defensive side with the Islanders but is expected to shift to a more offensive role with Langley. With his size and skill set, Hoogstraten brings a unique dynamic to the Junior Thunder’s offensive attack. His versatility and physical presence on the floor should provide an added dimension to Langley’s offensive game.

They join a core of returnees which includes Austin and Bailey Vanichuk, Nathaniel Leroux, Temeke7 Gottfriedsen and Caleb Khan.

Khan spent time in 2024 with both Langley’s Tier 1 and Junior A squads and was the team’s Tier 1 Most Valuable Player. He finished second in the BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League with an .860 save percentage and was fourth with a 7.08 goals against average.

Gottfriedsen, Leroux and the Vanichuk’s were members of the Junior A team with Austin Vanichuk earning Langley’s Most Valuable Player, Top Offensive Player and Top Rookie awards. The left-handed forward finished with 15 goals and 47 points, leading the team in the latter two categories and second in goals.

Gottfriedsen was named Top Defensive Player. He added four goals in transition and was the team’s most reliable defender. He enters his final season of junior and is also in his second year of playing in the men’s Arena Lacrosse League West with the Black Fish.

Leroux was the Unsung Hero winner after the right-handed forward finished with nine goals and 27 points in his first season with Langley, following an off-season trade.

Bailey Vanichuk led the Junior A Thunder with 16 goals and was tied for second (with Leroux) with 27 points.

As the team continues to solidify its roster, Langley is also preparing for the upcoming BCJALL Entry Draft, scheduled for January 18 at the Langley Events Centre. The six-round, 48-player draft will bring new talent to the league, with U17 lacrosse players from communities without a Junior A lacrosse team eligible for selection. The Thunder are sure to be active in the draft, looking to add depth to their lineup and further strengthen their bid for a successful 2025 season.

With a strong mix of experienced veterans and exciting new additions, the Langley Junior Thunder are ready to take on the challenge of the 2025 BC Junior A Lacrosse League season for an exciting and competitive year ahead.

The Langley Thunder lacrosse organization consists of Senior A, Junior A and Junior Tier 1 teams who play in the Western Lacrosse Association, BC Junior A Lacrosse League and BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League respectively. All three teams play their home games at Langley Events Centre.

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