For the most part lacrosse is front and centre in the area, given the recent move of the Vancouver Stealth from the Langley Event Centre to Rogers Arena.
While making changes to the team, it’s expected that a new name will eventually emerge for the team, but the sale to many wasn’t a real surprise, but some changes were.
Now we are hearing that the team has added more local talent to its management and coaching staff.
Ken Thomas has been appointed Assistant GM, Rory McDade and Clayton Richardson have been named Assistant Coaches, while Dan Perreault is now the Assistant Video Coach.
GM Dan Richardson mentioned “I am excited to have such a strong leadership group with deep roots in the local lacrosse community and with decades of coaching and management experience at the highest levels.” He continued “With the appointment of Ken, Rory, Clayton and Dan to our staff, Chris and I are confident that our newly assembled team will bring the great lacrosse fans of Vancouver an entertaining team they can be proud of.”
Thomas previously had the role of Assistant General Manager with the New Westminster Sr Salmonbellies working directly under Dan Richardson.
Thomas is a member of the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame and his playing career included a Mann Cup (2001) and a top ten finish in WLA scoring in five seasons of play.
McDade was the Head Coach of the New Westminster Sr Salmonbellies this year (2018) working under Dan Richardson.
He was also a member of the Minnesota Swarm coaching staff (2015) as well as was the coach for the Burnaby Lakers for another four seasons.
In his new role he (McDade) will be responsible for all of the team’s offensive play.
Richardson joins the new Vancouver franchise after having served as Assistant General Manager and defensive coach of the Stealth for three seasons (2014-16).
He helped the New Westminster Salmonbellies capture the WLA Championship four (4) times as a player, also playing in four (4) Mann Cup Championships and will be responsible for the team’s defensive play.
As well as being heavily involved in lacrosse, it’s interesting to note that both (Richardson and Chris Gill) are first responders in the City of Vancouver.
Richardson is a member of the Vancouver Police (VPD) while Gill is a member of the Vancouver Fire department.
Perreault joins the new Vancouver franchise as Assistant Video Coach and previously served as Head Coach of the Stealth from 2014 to 2016 and was an Assistant Coach with the club for two seasons prior to that.
Perreault is also a member of the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame and also had an exceptional playing career that included more than 500 points over 10 WLA seasons as well as two Minto Cup Championships.
Many are wondering if the purchase by Orca Bay will see a better product on the floor for the upcoming season at Rogers Arena?
Photo D. Laird Allan
