Shamrocks Add Signings on Eve of Training Camp

Victoria, BC – With the start of training camp just days away and the 68th home opener on May 19th, the Shamrocks are pleased to announce six player signings for the 2017 season, including one new face and five returning veterans.

Casey Jackson isn’t a new face to lacrosse fans in Victoria, having played minor, intermediate and junior in his hometown, but he is a new face to the Senior A Shamrocks and we couldn’t be happier to say he will be in our lineup this season. Jackson, a 26 year-old left shooting offensive player, was originally drafted third overall in the 2012 WLA Draft by the Burnaby Lakers. He played four seasons in Burnaby, racking up 184 points in 65 games. Last year he was traded to Nanaimo but did not report to the Timbermen and was traded to Victoria earlier this year.

Former Junior Shamrock captain Matt Yager is returning for his 9th season in the WLA with the Shamrocks. As a key veteran player and proven leader, this will be Yager’s second season wearing one of the A’s as the Shamrocks assistant captain. Yager is a hard-working and reliable defender who also contributes to a fast-paced transition game.

Fan favourite Ben McCullough will be back to continue making life miserable for our opponent’s offensive players. This will be the 6th season as a Shamrock for the full-time Victoria resident who migrated west from his hometown Brampton, Ontario and is now one of the faces of our organization. Like Yager, McCullough is part of a solid defensive core that has played such a key role in the Shamrocks recent successes.

Two local products of the 2014 WLA Draft are returning for their 4th seasons, goaltender Cody Hagedorn and defender Ethan Garland. In what was arguably the greatest draft in team history Cody and Ethan were late-round selections; Hagedorn was selected in the 5th round, 34th overall while Garland was selected in the 8th round, 55th overall. Seldom do players selected that late have much of an impact in the WLA but these two have established themselves as part of the Shamrocks core and have yet to enter their prime playing years.

Prior to the start of the 2016, the Shamrocks were pleased to acquire Paul Brebber in a trade with Nanaimo and we are excited to welcome him back in 2017. The 25 year-old right hander is from Nanaimo but now lives and works in Victoria year round. He is a versatile player who adds decent size and speed to the Shamrocks transition game.

“These six guys add so much quality to our overall depth,” said Shamrocks general manager Chris Welch. “This is a group of men who work hard during the day and then come to the rink and battle hard each and every time they go out on the floor. If you want to win you need guys like this on your team.”

Main camp practices start Monday May 1st and Wednesday May 3rd at The Q Centre from 6pm-8pm and continue on Mondays and Wednesdays until the 1st game on May 19th.

The Victoria Shamrocks first home game is May 19 vs Langley Thunder with season tickets starting at just $45 for kids and can be bundled with an adult for only $150.  Tickets can be purchased by phoning 250-478-ROCK(7625) or at the team store located at 967 Langford Parkway.  Find out the many benefits of becoming a Shamrocks season ticket holder at Victoriashamrocks.com.