Thunder aim to take next step

After coming up one game short, the Langley Thunder are ready to take the lessons learned in 2025 and put them to good use in their quest to return to the BC Junior A Lacrosse League post-season.

“We took a positive step forward last season, but our group knows there is still another level we need to get to,” said Thunder general manager Ryan Williams. “The expectation now is to build on the progress we made, compete harder every night and continue developing the habits that lead to success. There’s a lot of belief in that room, but we also understand that nothing is guaranteed and we have to earn it every day.”

Langley begins their season on May 16 (7:00pm) with a trip to Ladner to face the Delta Islanders in the season opener for both clubs. The Thunder begin with four straight road games before their home opener on May 28 (7:30pm) when they host the Coquitlam Adanacs at Langley Events Centre.

Goaltending

In goal, the Thunder are rolling with the brother tandem of Caleb and Marcus Khan.

Caleb Khan, a first-round pick of the Las Vegas Desert Dogs in 2025, spent this past National Lacrosse League season with the club while continuing to establish himself as one of the top goaltenders in the BCJALL. Entering his third junior season, Khan posted a 9.37 goals-against average and an .819 save percentage with the Thunder in 2025, earning Second Team league all-star honours. He also saw extensive action as a call-up with the Senior A Thunder for the second straight season, recording a 9.87 goals-against average and an .811 save percentage. Among qualified goaltenders (minimum 600 saves), Khan currently ranks fourth in regular season save percentage in North Shore/Langley franchise history.

Marcus Khan enters his second junior season after splitting time between Langley’s Junior A and Tier 1 teams in 2025. With the Junior A club, he posted a 7.18 goals-against average and an .846 save percentage. He was also named the BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League’s Top Goaltender after leading the league with an .873 save percentage while ranking third in goals-against average at 6.59. Marcus also finished fourth in total saves with 523, the highest total among goaltenders on playoff teams.

Defence/Transition

Defensively, the team will lean heavily on fifth-year veterans Graysen Balatti, Ronan Balatti and John Gagnon, who are expected to provide a calming presence and steady leadership on the back end. With plenty of experience at the junior level, the trio will play an important role in setting the tone defensively while helping guide a younger group through the ups and downs of the season.

Another name to watch will be Koji Okuyama, who was effective in using his speed to spark the transition game, finishing with nine goals in 15 games and a .346 shooting percentage. His play landed him on the BCJALL All-Rookie team.

Offence

Up front, right-hander Mason Eastgate and lefty Austin Vanichuk will lead the Thunder attack.

Eastgate paced the Tier 1 squad in 2025 with 35 goals, 43 assists and 78 points. He finished tied for the league lead in points while ranking second overall in both goals and assists.

Vanichuk enters his third junior season, all with Langley’s Junior A team. Injuries limited him to just five games in 2025, but he still recorded seven goals and 16 points. In 2024, he led the Thunder in scoring as a rookie with 47 points in 17 games, earning the team’s Most Valuable Player, Top Offensive Player and Top Rookie honours. He also captured the Marcolis Gibson Award as the BCJALL’s Top Rookie.

The Thunder are also awaiting the arrival of Parker Doyle (2025) and Liam Lockwood (2026) — Langley’s back-to-back first overall selections in the BCJALL Entry Draft — along with American imports Joseph Killcommons and Zekie Terry as they return from school commitments.

Doyle – a right-handed forward – appeared in two games last season, recording two goals and eight points in limited action. The other three are left-handed forwards.

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