There is plenty of Delta Islanders flavor when it comes to the Nanaimo Timbermen’s historical run so far in the Western Lacrosse Association playoffs.
The Timbermen are in the WLA finals for the first time after sweeping their semi-final series against the Coquitlam Adanacs. Nanaimo now take on the Langley Thunder in a best-of-seven affair to determine which team will represent B.C. in the Mann Cup national senior “A” championship. Game one goes tonight (7 p.m.) at the Langley Events Centre before the teams head to the Island on Sunday. Game three is in Langley on Tuesday, also at 7 p.m.
The Timbermen feature Jon Phillips, Evan Messenger, Adam Jay and Nate Wade, all key members of the Islanders’ 2016 B.C. Junior “A” Lacrosse League championship team.
Phillips was named a second team all-star after compiling a team-leading 65 points in 16 games, including 28 goals. He added 15 more points in the opening round series win and recently signed a free agent contract with the expansion Las Vegas Desert Dogs of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
Like Phillips, Messenger came through the Delta Lacrosse minor system and is playing transition for the Timbermen. He had 22 points in the regular season with 15 goals. Jay and Wade were trade deadline acquisitions for the Islanders in their run to the Minto Cup six years ago. Both are defenders.
The Thunder’s line-up features Reece Callies, another key defender from the 2016 Islanders who is also playing with the NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks.
Six Nations Chiefs and the Peterborough Lakers are playing off to determine the Ontario representative in the Mann Cup.
