Two years ago Sam Clare was a converted defender helping his hometown team advance to the senior “B” nationals. On Friday night he will make his National Lacrosse League debut.
There will be even more of a Ladner flavour to the Vancouver Warriors this season with Clare joining standout Logan Schuss beating the odds to make the final roster as a free agent.
The soon-to-be 26-year-old was a talented offensive lefty for much of his career before making the switch to defender and becoming a key transition player with the Pioneers during the 2017 campaign.
He helped Ladner return to the President’s Cup in 2018 then decided to take his game to the WLA where he played 17 games this past season with the Burnaby Lakers, recording 10 points, including four goals.
His play got the attention of Warriors GM Dan Richardson who signed Clare back in August.
“Sam has a big upside, good speed and great lacrosse IQ,” said Richardson. "He runs the floor well and takes advantage of opportunities presented to him.”
The Warriors open their season on Friday when the Calgary Roughnecks visit Rogers Arena at 7 p.m.
Other local flavour around the NLL includes Evan Messenger earning a roster spot with the San Diego Seals.
