Mission’s Matt Abbott is sticking around with the Langley Thunder.
The Western Lacrosse Association will hold its Graduating Junior Draft on Jan. 31 and each of the seven Senior A squads is permitted to protect two players from their junior programs. Langley opted to keep Abbott and Kyle Brunsch in Langley uniforms.
“We are thrilled to keep both Matt and Kyle in the Langley Thunder organization. Kyle is a proven dynamic goal scorer while Matt was the top face-off guy in the BCJALL and both will fit in perfectly with the core we have established at the senior level,” said Rob Buchan, the Senior Thunder general manager, in a news release.
Abbott was elementary to Langley’s first ever trip to the BC Junior A Lacrosse League finals. He took on a leadership role as Langley’s captain and was presented the Al Boles Memorial Trophy for most inspirational player in September.
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The award is given to the player who demonstrates ability and leadership and is an inspiration to his fellow teammates on and off the floor. Abbott tore his ACL twice in the same knee and had three knee surgeries before his return to the sport.
The Missionite was also named a league all-star. He led the BCJALL in face-off percentage (.616) after going 175-109. He also scored five goals and nine points in 14 games and was crucial to the team’s defence. In 11 playoff games, Abbott was 134-97 (.580) at the face-off dot while scoring four goals and six points in 11 games.
Abbott already has experience at the Senior A level. He joined Langley for the WLA Finals and the team’s subsequent appearance at the Mann Cup. He played six games in the WLA playoffs and was 70-60 in the face-off circle with three goals and seven points before contributing five assists in six games at the Mann Cup championships.
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