Thunder name 2023 leadership group

Stuart Phillips has been named the next captain of the Langley Thunder Junior A team.

In five games since returning from university, the right-handed fifth-year forward has made an immediate impact with 14 goals (first on the team) and 28 points (second on the team). His 5.6 points per game are tops in the BC Junior A Lacrosse League.

"In the past, he has been a bit more on the quiet side, setting expectations and then asking those around him to play where he needs them to play, so that is what I expect from him this year," said Langley coach Adam Smith. "He has come in and been a leader on the floor, showing the other guys who are newer to the league where they need be if they want to succeed."

Joining Phillips as part of the leadership team are Ethan Quinn, Declan Fitzpatrick, Graysen Balatti and Cody Malawsky.

Quinn is one of the permanent assistant captains while the other three will rotate.

Like Phillips, Fitzpatrick is in his final season of junior eligibility, while Quinn has one more year remaining. Malawsky has two more years to play and Balatti has three seasons left.

Smith said Fitzpatrick -- a towering left-handed offensive player -- sets the work ethic for his younger teammates, especially in practice, while Quinn (a defender) is a vocal leader.

Balatti and Malawsky will get their feet wet in leadership roles as Smith knows the pair will play key roles with the Thunder program in the years to come.

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