The Langley Thunder of 2009 New Faces
May 20, 2009

Players that were part of the Thunder family but not seen last year include…

• Garrett Billings – the 2008 2nd overall draft pick that only played 3 games in 2008 because of school commitments.  Garrett set many school records in leading Virginia to the NCAA Final four – 2nd time in two years.  Garrett is expected to make his return to the Thunder on June 5th vs Burnaby and home opener on June 6th vs Maple Ridge.
• Returning to the Thunder is WLA all-star Robert Van Beek (played in 2008 for St Regis Indians of the OLA Major Series Lacrosse – the Ontario equivalent of the WLA).
• Stephan Leblanc (2008 draft choice).  This highly sought after player did not play in 2008 because of an injury.

New players to the Thunder Family include draftees…

• Kyle Belton – Selected 4th overall in the 2009 draft.  This Langley resident was a high priority for the Thunder.  Kyle will be entering the Thunder lineup May 22nd in Victoria.  Kyle helped Stony Brook University get to the American East championship this year.
• Alex Turner – Selected 5th overall in the 2009 draft.  Alex scored 2 short-handed goals and added two assists in his 1st WLA game May 17th.  This big strong player toils with the San Jose Stealth in the NLL after leading the NW Junior A Salmonbellies in scoring in 2008.
• Matt Wilson – Selected 12th overall in the 2009 draft.  Matt captained the Coquitlam Jr A Adanacs to 1st place in the BC Junior A League.  He suffered an injury while playing for the Sr Adanacs in the 2008 WLA playoffs.  Fully recovered the Thunder were ecstatic to have him join the team.
• Kelly Kilpatrick – Selected 13th overall in the 2009 draft.  Kelly had an impress 3+ points per game in the BC Junior A League.  Always a threat on offense.

Free Agents new to the Thunder Family include…

• Bryan Poole – Bryan returned to BC after coaching stint and pro lacrosse career in the US.  Bryan lead all Thunder players by scoring 4 goals and an assist in his Thunder debut May 17th
• Ian Poole – Bryan’s LITTLE brother also returned to BC and the Thunder.  He is expected to help strengthen a young aggressive defense and transition with the Thunder in 2009.
• Jeff Callard – A goal-scorer returning to the WLA after a couple year absence will help increase the depth of the Thunder’s Offense.
• Sean Kelly – The Senior B league’s MVP.  Sean has proven the ability to show his stuff at the WLA level.  He simply needed an opportunity.