Thunder look to build on 2022 success

Cody Malawsky (#2) and Declan Fitzpatrick (#83) are two of the returnees from the 2022 Langley Thunder squad which advanced to the BC Junior A Lacrosse League Finals. Ryan Molag LEC file photo

After the most successful season in organizational history, the Langley Thunder aim to take the next stop in 2023. Last season, the Junior A squad was 10-4 and advanced to the BC Junior A Lacrosse League championship series, falling in six games. The team’s .714 winning percentage and berth in the league finals were first for the team.

Although they graduated some valuable pieces from that 2022 team, the Thunder do return 14 players.

“Fans can expect a team similar to 2022: a very fast and energetic team which makes smart decisions in transition,” said Ryan Williams, Langley’s assistant general manager and director of scouting. “The strength of this team will be preparation, hard work and dedication.”

Offensively, Stuart Phillips and Cody Malawsky are expected to lead the way as both were skilled playmakers, each finishing top five in the league in assists with 36 for Malawsky and 35 for Phillips. Phillips was also fifth in league scoring with 58 points. Both carried their strong play into the post-season with Phillips registering 22 goals and 51 points and Malawsky adding 17 goals and 42 points in the team’s 11 playoff games.

Hudson Zazelenchuk, Jonathan Grywacheski and Jack Margetson are expected to step into bigger roles offensively on the right side alongside Phillips, as well as showcase their versatility by contributing at both ends of the floor when necessary.

“All three are big and play a power forward-type game and have the ability to both score and to create space in the offensive zone for their teammates,” Williams said. “As well, they also have the skillset to be top-end defensive players when called upon.”

Joining Malawsky on the left-side is Kamloops’ Temeke7 Gottfriedsen, with Williams describing him as having extremely good hands and a heavy, accurate shot.

On the other side of the floor, Liam Taillefer – the captain of the Tier 1 team in 2022 – will play a big role on the defence while Ethan Quinn and Jaiden Terry both have another year of experience under their belts.

They are joined by Chase Schiavon, Luke Pisani and Ryan Johnston

“He has speed, good hands on the run and can score goals in transition, as well as laying out some big hits,” Williams said of Schiavon, who joins Langley from Kelowna.

Pisani joins the Thunder from the U.S. and recruiting profile lauds his athleticism. He is committed to play for Virginia at the NCAA level.

Williams saw Johnston play at the Canada Summer Games for New Brunswick where he impressed with speed and ability to finish in transition.

In goal, Brayden Wandler returns for another season and is joined by newcomer Deklan Morrison.

Wandler was the team’s primary goalie last season and was 7-3 with a 9.29 goals against average and a .788 save percentage before going 6-5 in the playoffs with a 10.17 GAA and .801 save percentage. This is Morrison’s first season of junior after playing with Langley Minor Lacrosse.

The coaching staff of Adam Smith, Kevin Reid, Keiffer Widen, Connor Frost and Kyle Mooney are back behind the bench in 2023. They were presented the Doug Hazelton Memorial Trophy as the BCJALL’s Coach of the Year last summer.

The team embarks on their 21-game regular season with a visit to Victoria on Saturday (May 6) in a rematch of the 2022 BCJALL Championship Series. The Thunder home opener at Langley Events Centre is set for Sunday (May 7, 2:00pm) when they host the Nanaimo Timbermen. For tickets, click here.

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