2021 Graduating Junior Draft Set for Feb 11

The Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) has scheduled its 2021 Graduating Junior Draft for Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.
And for the first time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health orders, the WLA will be hosting its draft of B.C.’s top 21-year-old players virtually.

The draft will be webcast live at WLALacrosse.com and hosted by longtime play-by-play commentators and frequent draft hosts Jake Elliott and Brad Challoner. A representative from each team will also appear by video link along with WLA commissioner Paul Dal Monte.

"With all the uncertainty going on it's nice to have some certainty with the draft of graduating juniors and we're really looking forward to having the  opportunity of adding some outstanding young lacrosse players to our mix," said Shamrocks General Manager Chris Welch. "Each year it's an honour to select players who have worked so hard to get to this point and I'm excited to get started."

As a result of the pandemic cancelling the 2020 season, the WLA board of governors has voted to use the standings from the league’s last complete season, in 2019, as the basis for determining this year’s draft order. Draft picks have been assigned in reverse order of the 2019 final regular season standings.

The Victoria Shamrocks are currently set, in addition to their protected or compensatory pick prior to the draft, to pick 7th, 8th, 21st, 28th, 35th, 42nd, 49th, and 56th overall. The most up-to-date draft order can be viewed at draft.wlalacrosse.com, and is subject to change as trades are made leading up to and during the draft.

Draft results will be presented live at WLALacrosse.com and on official WLA social media channels, as well as team social media channels. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #WLADraft on Twitter.

The WLA and its member teams are preparing to play a 2021 season, said Dal Monte, noting, “We are optimistic that we will be able to put together a schedule and format that will be permitted under public health orders.” Further details will be announced closer to the start of the season.