IslandSavings Pre Game Report - June 2

Tonight marks the return of Cory Conway to the Shamrocks lineup after an absence of six years. The now 35 year-old last suited up in the WLA in 2016 and has only played one year of competitive lacrosse since, in 2018 with the Nanaimo Senior B Timbermen.

"Without a doubt, it's a long time to be away from the game," said Shamrocks general manager Chris Welch, "but Cory is in the best shape I've ever seen him in and his amazing skills are still there. If anyone can overcome the odds of making this happen, it's Cory, he has something to prove and a burning desire to do it."

In his previous three seasons with the Shamrocks (2013, 2015 and 2016) Conway had many memorable individual and team achievements. He was part of the 2013 team that won the WLA playoff championship as well as the 2015 Mann Cup championship team and in 2016 he set a WLA record for most points in a game that still stands to this day, with 17 as he scored twice and assisted on 15 others in an 18 - 6 Shamrocks victory over the Nanaimo Timbermen.

Conway has played a total of 7 WLA seasons and has led the league in assists in 6 of them. He has played a total of 173 games, scored 176 goals and added 526 assists for 702 points. His playmaking abilities are expected to be a real boost to the young Shamrocks offense.

"I'd like to thank Jim Hartshorne, Chris Welch, Rod Wade, Mike Simpson and the entire Shamrocks organization for giving my son the opportunity to watch his father play lacrosse at home," said Conway. "I'd like to thank family and friends who continue to believe in me and I'd also like to thank those that don't. No further motivation is required and I look forward to competing with and against the best lacrosse players in the world once again."

In other Rocks news, Casey Wilson is expected to make his WLA debut tonight. Casey, the younger brother of Shamrocks defender Max Wilson, was a territorial protection by the Shamrocks at the WLA draft earlier this year following a standout junior career with the Junior A Shamrocks, which he capped off with being named to the tournament all-star team at the 2022 Minto Cup. He'll be playing for Team Canada at the upcoming World Field Lacrosse Championships in San Diego June 21 - July 1.

The Rocks also expect to welcome back returning veterans Marshal King and Dallas Wade to the lineup tonight.

The visiting Burnaby Lakers lineup has many new faces and one to watch is right-handed offensive player Jacob Dunbar whom the Lakers selected first overall at the 2023 WLA Draft. On the other side of the Lakers' offense, big lefthander WakeRiat Bowhunter, the son of Halifax Thunderbirds owner and general manager Curt Styres makes his first appearance in Victoria tonight.