The Delta Islanders began to map out their future on Saturday night (Jan. 13) selecting seven players during the U17 BC Junior A Lacrosse League entry draft at the Langley Events Centre.
New general manager Logan Schuss had the sixth overall pick in the first round, and he selected Jett Burns of Maple Ridge.
Two picks later at number eight, Schuss selected Kenyan Whitney from Richmond.
In round two, the Islanders had three selections with picks two, six and eight. They selected Kayden McIntosh from Maple Ridge, Ty Bikic from Maple Ridge and Colby Quilay from Richmond.
In round three, Delta had one selection and drafted Keihin Blackson from Mission with the third pick of the round.
Their last pick of the draft was the second selection in the fourth round and Schuss picked Tatain Hand from Maple Ridge.
Another huge day for Delta Junior Lacrosse as we welcome seven new players to our organization,” said the Islanders in a social media post. “We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them as they join us in our new direction. Congratulations to the players and their families for being selected and welcome to our club.”
Riley Alexander from Maple Ridge was selected as the first overall pick by the New Westminster Jr. A Salmonbellies who made four of the first five selections of the draft.
Six rounds of picks took place, with eight players per round, for a total of 48 players selected from B.C.’s 17U minor clubs on the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
A series of trades beginning Jan. 12 impacted the draft order in later rounds.
The schedule for the 2024 season will be announced in the coming weeks.
Before the draft, the Islanders announced the acquisitions of three US university players. They included: Jimmy Grieve from Fairfield, and Luke Grove and Max Neeson from Albany.
“We are extremely excited about adding these young men to the Islander family. They bring size, speed, and a high compete level to our club, and we can’t wait to have them join us this season.”
