The Maple Ridge Burrards took a couple of Junior A team captains with their first picks of the Western Lacrosse Association Junior Draft.
With their first pick the Burrards took Garrett Winter of Mission, who was the team captain for Port Coquitlam Saints Junior A team.
Winter posted 41 goals and 88 points in 36 games with the Saints.
“He’s an explosive, right-handed offensive player,” said team GM Lance Andre, who said his top pick of 2022 plays a determined game, and shows good leadership.
“With as young as we are, he’s going to fit right in.”
Winter has older brothers in the Burrard’s organization in big defenceman D.J. Saari and assistant coach Bobby Saari.
He was also signed by the San Diego Seals of the NLL.
"Garret has played well in Jr. A in [British Columbia]. We're excited about his potential and can't wait to see what he can do at camp." -GM/Head Coach Patrick Merrill
— San Diego Seals (@SealsLax) September 15, 2021
We've signed Garret Winter, our fourth round selection from Port Coquitlam 🔱 pic.twitter.com/rdsc9GfNWr
Cole Catton was their second pick, and he was the gritty captain of the New Westminster Salmonbellies Junior A team.
He’s a rock-solid defender with a great pedigree, in that his father Rich had a professional career in the NLL.
Their third pick was Aidan Murphy, who is a big, strong lefty attack from Maple Ridge. Andre felt like he fell in the draft.
“It’s awesome that we could grab him when we did. He’s got the size and strength to play right away.”
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The next name called was Austen Cooke, who is a hard working defender from Maple Ridge who also played with the Saints.
Beau Chetner of Penticton is another brother of a current Burrard, as Jean-Luc has been an impact player with Maple Ridge. Beau is a righty offensive player.
The Burrards had had lots of brothers in the lineup over the years.
“It’s easier to have your brother playing with you than against you,” asserts Andre.
Robert Whyte came next, and he’s a Washington State player who did not play next year, and the Burrards used their last selection to take Alex Nimmo, who is a faceoff specialist.
“Congratulations to the players who heard their names called at the 2022 WLA Junior Draft. We’re looking forward to welcoming them to the WLA and getting back on the floor starting May 27,” said WLA Commissioner Paul Dal Monte.
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