The Western Lacrosse Association season became that much more interesting on Wednesday as the Victoria Shamrocks pulled off a major deal to bring in the league鈥檚 top point producer.
The Shamrocks acquired the rights to Scott Ranger from the Nanaimo Timbermen for the playing rights to Kyle Dexter and Jake Emms and second-round picks in the 2014 and 2015 WLA drafts. If Victoria advances to the Mann Cup in 2013 or 2014, the 2015 pick becomes a first-round selection.
鈥淗e鈥檚 one of the best, if not the best player in our circuit,鈥� said Shamrocks general manager Chris Welch. 鈥淗e can score from anywhere and he can quarterback the power play. He brings tremendous leadership and a desire to win,鈥� added Welch, who sources say isn鈥檛 done with building the 2013 Shamrocks.
鈥淵ou should never stop trying to get better. If you do, you should be stepping aside,鈥� Welch insisted.
Ranger is a great start as he brings his 4.21 points-per-game average over his eight years in the WLA down the Malahat to Victoria. The 29-year-old had 55 goals and 37 assists last season, finishing 12 points ahead of Victoria鈥檚 Corey Small.
He joins a Victoria roster that also features Jeff Shattler, Ryan Benesch and Derek Lowe, who finished third, sixth and seventh in WLA scoring.
鈥淭his was too good of an opportunity for me to pass up as well and I believe this group has a legitimate shot of playing into September. I am looking forward to being a part of something like that,鈥� said Ranger, who specifically requested to be traded to Victoria, where he enjoyed a solid junior career.
鈥淭his was a hard decision to make. Nanaimo has been great to me over the years. I did request this trade to Victoria and finalizing this deal showed how much they [Timbermen] truly respect and honour my career,鈥� said Ranger.
Emms and Dexter were the Shamrocks鈥� first and second selections of the recent WLA draft. The deal obviously means Nanaimo is going younger and the Shamrocks are making a run.
鈥淭his move shows we are serious about competing for a national championship [Mann Cup] and this acquisition addressed some areas where we need this type of balance and strength to go the distance,鈥� said Shamrocks head coach Bob Heyes.
鈥淪cotty already has Shamrock blood in him, plus plenty of familiarity with both our coaching staff and players. It鈥檚 really an ideal fit.鈥�
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