Thunder swap Wandler for Sheldrake, first round pick

The Langley Thunder Junior organization has added some offence with the acquisition of Ryan Sheldrake.

The Thunder traded for Sheldrake’s Junior A and Junior Tier 1 playing rights from the Burnaby Lakers as well as a first round pick in the 2026 Junior Entry Draft in exchange for goaltender Brayden Wandler’s Junior A playing rights.

Sheldrake, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 Junior Draft by the Lakers, has managed 15 goals and a team-best 36 points for the Lakers Tier 1 team, despite playing in just six of their 14 games. His 6.0 points per game are also tops in the BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League. And in six games with Burnaby's Junior A squad, Sheldrake has a goal and four points.

“We are excited to add a player of Ryan’s caliber to the Thunder organization,” said Ryan Williams, Langley’s assistant general manager and director of scouting. “He is a talented lefty offensive player who can play both sides of the floor and we can’t wait to see what he can do for us alongside some of the other young pieces we have assembled.”

Sheldrake joins Langley’s T1 team as they battle for a playoff spot. With four games remaining in the regular season, the team has won three straight to improve to 7-7.

While Sheldrake is in his first season of junior lacrosse, Wandler is in his final year of eligibility, all of which have been spent with Langley’s Junior A program, steadily improving each season.

“We would like to thank Brayden for his contributions to the Thunder program and wish him the best,” Williams said.

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