Delta Islanders awaiting the return of key players from U.S. schools
Ladner's Silas Richmond is enjoying an outstanding freshman season at the University of Albany. He and Ben McDonald were the Islanders top two scorers a year ago. University of Albany Athletics Photo
With the start of the B.C. Junior “A” Lacrosse League season just days away, the Delta Islanders are anxiously awaiting the return of several key players currently winding down their field lacrosse campaigns south of the border.
The Islanders open their season on May 5 with a trip to Coquitlam to take on the Adanacs, then welcome the New West Salmonbellies the following night (7 p.m.) to the Ladner Leisure Centre. It’s the start of a 21-game schedule that will wrap up in early July.
When Delta’s line-up will be at full strength remains to be seen with playoffs at American schools soon to start.
Silas Richmond is enjoying an outstanding freshman season at the University of Albany where the Ladner native has wasted little time in making an impact. He is second in team scoring with 19 goals in 10 games. The Great Danes sit 3-2 in America East Conference play with the post-season slated to start May 4.
Last season, Richmond and Ben McDonald led the Islanders in scoring with 53 points each.
Meanwhile, Keegan Kozack is continuing his impressive NCAA career at Canisius College in Buffalo where the junior standout is second in team scoring with 30 points in 13 games, including 23 goals.
Kozack was third in Islanders’ scoring a year ago with 36 points.
Right behind him was Rhys Porteous who is also in his junior season playing midfield at Manhattan College. The Jaspers are poised to have a deep run in the MAAC playoffs with an 11-4 regular season record.
At Limestone University in South Carolina, Matthew Burt is enjoying an impressive freshman campaign. The midfielder has 19 points in 10 games, including seven goals.