Langley Thunder have acquired five new players – four via the draft and the fifth through a trade – following the BC Junior A Lacrosse League Junior Draft.
The draft was held on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Langley Events Centre with the Thunder adding Jameson Reed, Xavian Washington, Jasen Feiss and Joey Gagnon in the draft. The team also acquired John Gagnon from the Port Coquitlam Saints through a pre-draft trade, sending the Saints a third-round pick (17th) overall in this year’s draft.
Gagnon was a second-round selection in the 2022 draft (13th overall) and is the older brother of Joey Gagnon.
“With these trades and selections, we feel our team is well positioned itself for success not only this upcoming season, but for the years ahead,” said Langley assistant general manager Ryan Williams.
Without a first-round pick because of past trades, Reed was the team’s top selection at ninth overall (the first pick of the second round) and joins the Thunder program out of Chilliwack.
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Reed is a right-handed forward who caught the team’s attention with impressive play this past season. Known for his exceptional shooting, quickness and ability to read the game, Reed should bolster the team’s attacking prowess.
Washington was taken with the 33rd pick overall (the first pick of round five) with Langley trading for an additional fifth round pick (35th overall) which they then used on Jasen Feiss. Washington is from North Vancouver while Feiss is from Chilliwack.
Washington is another right-handed forward who brings a combination of size and scoring ability with a knack for finding the net, while Feiss is a skilled left-hander who plays defence and transition. Feiss’ athleticism as well as the experience he gained playing last summer on Team BC at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) – where Williams served as head coach – showcased his potential to become a shutdown defender.
The team used their sixth round pick (41st overall) to select Maple Ridge’s Joey Gagnon, a right-handed defenceman/transition player. Gagnon is a gritty player with a strong defensive acumen who in recent seasons shifted from the front to the back gate.
“We see his true potential in his defensive abilities and decision making from the back end,” Williams said. “He is set to carry on the family tradition of strong defensive play with an edge.”
Prior to the draft, the Thunder acquired Gagnon’s older brother John in a trade. Entering his third season of junior, the elder Gagnon will be counted on to bring a tough and gritty edge to the line-up, Williams said.
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