New Westminster Senior Salmonbellies sniper Logan Schuss is taking on a new role with the team for the 2023 season.
As he recovers from a recent surgery, the left-handed forward will be taking a spot on the bench with head coach Rory McDade and assistant coach Randy Jones.
“I am going to be the offensive coach. It will be interesting because a lot of these guys are like my close friends, but I think, once it comes down to game play, we all want to win,” he said. “Bringing me on just brings another set of eyes.”
Schuss knows a thing or two about offense.
In 2013, Schuss was named as the Western Lacrosse Association’s Rookie of the Year, after placing 11th in league scoring. In 2018, he was the league’s top point-getter, racking up 37 goals and 69 assists.
A Ladner native, Schuss took a break from the WLA in the summer of 2022 to play with the Ladner Pioneers in the Senior B league, helping the team win the Presidents Cup national title.
“I played Senior B for Ladner last year, so yeah, definitely missed it. You know, playing for New West is special. I have played my whole senior career in New West, so it was a tough decision,” he said. “But I had the opportunity to play for Ladner – I am from Ladner – and get a championship. My whole goal was to play Salmonbellies this year, win a Mann Cup for New West.”
Schuss, who plays in the National Lacrosse League with the Vancouver Warriors, was injured in early 2022 and underwent ACL surgery in April. Now that he’ rehabbing and is unable to help the Bellies on the floor, Schuss is hoping to contribute from the bench.
“I’ve got a passion for coaching,” he said. “I was with the Delta Junior As for a few years. I am excited to be a part of New West; I think we’ve got something really strong here. And I’m thankful that Ray (GM Ray Porcellato) and coaches, Rory and Randy welcomed me in and see the vision that I have for offense.”
Schuss also recently joined Fusion West, owned by fellow Senior Salmonbellie Kevin Crowley, as the company’s box lacrosse director and offensive coordinator for its boys’ field lacrosse teams.
After taking a year off from the WLA to play Senior B, Schuss planned to return to the Bellies for the 2023 season. The injury, and the subsequent surgery, mean he’ll be rehabbing before the WLL training camp – and returning to the Bellies lineup in 2024.
“That’s my game plan,” he said.
The Salmonbellies 2023 season kicks off on Thursday, May 25 at Queen’s Park Arena.
