Team Canada Announces Final 23-Man Roster
by Neil Stevens | Team Canada Media Coordinator
It has been a long road back for pro lacrosse star Merrick
Thomson.
He’ll play again. He’s just not sure exactly when
that’ll be.
The 26-year-old native of Hamilton hasn’t appeared in a
game since being named most valuable player of the Major Lacrosse
League playoffs while helping the Toronto Nationals win the 2009
pro field title.
A high hit during MLL play forced him to sit once the pro indoor
National Lacrosse League season began in January and the
Philadelphia Wings have missed him. Thomson was one of the
NLL’s leading goal scorers last year with 39 and the Wings
sure could use that kind of offensive thrust now.
Thomson is on the mend, and setting goals keeps him on a path
that will see him back in uniform.
David Huntley, head coach of the Wings and of the Canadian team
for the 2010 world field championships in Manchester, England, in
July, is confident enough in Thomson’s return to top form
that Thomson is included on the final roster (below) just posted by
Team Canada general manager Johnny Mouradian.
"It’s a really big accomplishment in my lacrosse career,"
Thomson says of his inclusion. "There is no greater honor than to
represent your country, especially after watching the Olympics and
seeing all the Canadian athletes perform and win. It makes me want
to hear the Canadian anthem in England.
"Missing the NLL season has been tough thus far and it hurts to
not be playing with my teammates in Philadelphia. This injury does
require rest and I have done that and I am now in the process of
healing fully due to several key people most notably my trainers,
my acupuncturist and osteopath."
Huntley will be the first to applaud when Thomson pulls the pads
back on.
"Merrick is doing everything he can to get back on the
field,’’ says Huntley. "There is no time line or
expected date for a return. It is a slow process and he is handling
it in an exemplary manner."
Dean French, the executive director of the national men’s
team, can relate to what Thomson has been going through because he
also suffered a head injury -- his from a cycling mishap -- that
involved a lengthy recovery process.
"Far too many athletes rushed back into competition following a
head injury," says French. "Having gone through post-concussion
syndrome myself, I reached out to Merrick during our selection camp
and told him that it would take more courage to stay off the field
than to go back on too early. I know not playing has been tough on
Merrick but having a knowledgeable and progressive coach like Dave
Huntley helps in the healing process, which takes more time than
people think.’’
John Grant, Dan Dawson, Brodie Merrill, Geoff Snider, Gavin
Prout, Shawn Williams, Mark Steenhuis and Jordan Hall are among the
established pro stars who will push the ball up the field and
attack for Canada in Manchester.
Second-year pro Rhys Duch and impressive NLL rookies Garrett
Billings, Zack Greer and Kevin Huntley provide young legs in a
dynamic offence. Ryan McClelland, a midfielder who is playing in
the NCAA at Colgate, also made the team.
Kevin Huntley, who plays for the NLL’s Wings, is the
coach’s son.
"I love playing for my dad,’’ he says. "I pretty much
have my whole life. He knows how to get me going if I’m down,
and he really knows his stuff so it’s easy to make mid-game
adjustments when he points out mistakes that are being made.
It’s an added bit of pressure on myself sometimes because I
hate letting him down.’’
He’s willing to take on any role he’s asked to
play.
"It is a great honor to be selected to the team,’’ he
says. "I can’t wait for a chance to compete for gold. I am
extremely excited about the opportunity that lies ahead. Competing
for a world championship while having the chance to play with a
great group of guys is going to be something I will never
forget.
"I’m not expecting to come in and take a spot in the
starting lineup over a guy like (John Grant) Junior. I am expecting
to be able to work with him and all the other guys though to build
a chemistry that will be special and that will give us a chance to
win. I’ll let the coaches and natural flow of what our
offence seems to take on to see where I fit in. Versatility will be
key and I think our team is full of versatile
players.’’
Playing for Canada’s under-19 team was a "pretty deep
experience’’ and whetted Huntley's appetite for his
next foray onto the international scene.
"It gives you an immense amount of pride and motivation to do
everything in your power to represent your country to the best of
your ability,’’ he says. "Those feelings will only be
elevated (in Manchester) as it will be a bigger stage with more on
the line.’’
Team Canada 2010
Canada’s roster for 2010 world field lacrosse championship
in Manchester, England, in July:
Attack: Garrett Billings, Langley, B.C.; John
Grant, Peterborough, Ont.; Zack Greer, Whitby, Ont., Kevin Huntley,
Baltimore, Md.; Merrick Thomson, Hamilton, Ont.
Midfield: Dan Dawson, Oakville, Ont.; Rhys Duch,
Victoria, B.C.; Jordan Hall, Surrey, B.C.; Ryan McClelland,
Brampton, Ont.; Gavin Prout, Whitby, Ont.; Billy Dee Smith, St.
Catharines, Ont.; Geoff Snider, Calgary, Alb; Mark Steenhuis, St.
Catharines, Ont; Shawn Williams, Oshawa, Ont.
Defense: Mac Allen, Toronto, Ont.; Curtis
Manning, Surrey, B.C.; Brodie Merrill, Orangeville, Ont.; Patrick
Merrill, Orangeville, Ont.; Phil Sanderson, Orangeville, Ont. ; Jon
Sullivan, St. Catharines, Ont.; Matt Vinc, St. Catharines, Ont.
Goal: Angus Dineley, Toronto, Ont.; Evan Kirk,
Kitchener, Ont.; Chris Sanderson, Orangeville, Ont.
