Perhaps Bruce Davidson's first order of business can be figuring out how to beat his former team.
The one-time Coquitlam Adanacs standout is the new general manager of the Delta Islanders junior and intermediate "A" programs. Davidson replaces Jamie Scott who was forced to resign last week after nearly two years at the helm.
Scott was already working in the Abbotsford area and recently moved to Chilliwack, making the long trek to Ladner to oversee two teams an immense challenge.
"We thank Jamie for his tireless efforts in helping with the merger of the junior 'A' and intermediate 'A' clubs," said Islanders president Gary McBride, who met with Scott last Thursday. "The union has established a great working relationship that has resulted in the junior team being a force to be reckoned with.
"It had just become very difficult for him to make the commitment required to oversee two teams."
McBride didn't have to look far for a replacement. Davidson was already serving on the board of directors and was the club's head scout. He enjoyed an impressive playing career with the Adanacs at the junior "A" and WLA levels and served as a scout for the senior Adanacs, along with the National Lacrosse League's Colorado Mammoth. The South Surrey resident has also been active with Semiahmoo Minor Lacrosse and his son Connor plays at the intermediate "A" level for Richmond.
"We are fortunate to have some with Bruce's experience already with the organization," added McBride.
On the floor, the Islanders' struggles continued against the Adanacs. Delta dropped its 12 consecutive regular season game to the defending league champions, this time an 8-3 setback on Saturday night. The Islanders have not beaten Coquitlam since the 2009 season and it's apparent they're having a difficult time creating quality scoring chances.
The hosts were held off the scoresheet until Randy Jones' goal at the 5: 12 mark of the third period. Evan Messenger had the other tallies as Delta fell to 6-4 on the season. League scoring leader Cody Nass assisted on all three goals and now has 59 points - 16 ahead of Coquitlam's Chase McIntyre.
One night earlier, Nass had eight points, including four goals, in a 12-8 road win over the Port Coquitlam Saints. Eli McLaughlin added two goals and four assists.
Tyler Nett scored twice, while Evan Messenger had a goal and two helpers.
The Islanders (6-4) are in a three-way tie for top spot with Victoria (6-2) and Coquitlam (63). The surging Shamrocks routed the Adanacs 15-8 on Sunday night. The league's biggest early season surprise visits Ladner on Saturday (7: 30 p.m.) when the 5-1 Langley Knights come to town.
Boxla bits... . The club has also announced local products Evan Messenger and Jon Phillips will be aged up to the junior "A" team for the balance of the season.
Both have been regular call-ups and have more than held their own. Messenger is third in team scoring with 26 points in 10 games, while Phillips is fifth with 18 points. While the move does hurt the intermediate squad, the Islanders have always viewed the two teams as a five-year program and have assessed their talent accordingly.
B.C. is the only province in Canada that has an intermediate division for 17-and-18-year-olds.
. The club is still seeking business support to conclude its 2013 sponsorship campaign.
Sponsors receive recognition at games, in programs and on the team's website and webcasts. For more information contact team president Gary McBride at [email protected]
