In a historic first, a pair of New Westminster Salmonbellies have been called upon to help a league rival potentially lift the Mann Cup.
Forward Will Malcom and defender Mike Messenger are now "pickups" for the Victoria Shamrocks as they're set to compete against the defending-champion Six Nations Chiefs in the best-of-seven final of Canada's senior "A" lacrosse championship starting Friday, Sept. 6.
This marks the first time in "many years," according to a news release Tuesday, Sept. 3, that a team has been allowed to pick up players for the Mann Cup in allowing the western representative to add up to three new faces.
Lacrosse Canada, the country's governing body for the sport, said this will ensure competitive balance.
"We explored options with other players about the third spot but given all the various considerations, we felt this was the best way for us to go," Chris Welch, general manager and governor of the Shamrocks, explained, noting he's glad Malcom and Messenger have come aboard as the team is set to face "the biggest challenge" yet.
"We love our team and we can't wait to get going with this amazing opportunity in front of us."
Malcom was named Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) MVP for the 2024 campaign, recording 52 goals and 60 assists for a total of 112 points in 18 games.
The New Westminster athlete added 22 more points, including nine goals, in five playoff games, but New West came up short of one game, losing their semifinal series 3-2 to Victoria. The Shamrocks went on to win the WLA final.
Malcom, who played for Panther City in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and scored 105 points last season, was also named the WLA 3 Stars Award winner and was a first-team all-star selection.
Messenger will join Victoria's defensive line with his 6'2", 220-pound stature.
Though the Surrey product only played seven regular-season games and potted 16 points, he was one of the better face-off competitors in recording a near 70 per cent average in the dot.
Messenger also played for the NLL's Saskatchewan Rush last year, tallying 27 points in 18 games.
Both helped the Salmonbellies reach a record of 8-10-0, enough to secure the fourth and final spot in the WLA playoffs. The Shamrocks went undefeated at 18-0.
New West handed Victoria their first two losses of the year in games two and four of the series, both on the home floor of Queen's Park Arena, to go the distance in the best-of-five contest.
Victoria will square up with Six Nations Chiefs on Friday, 5 p.m. Pacific time from Iroquois Lacrosse Arena on the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve in Hagersville, Ont.
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