The Coquitlam Adanacs weren't very busy in the early part of the 2017 WLA entry draft.
Without a pick until late in the second round, all general manager Mike Petrie could do is watch as players like Tyler Pace of the Coquitlam Jr. Adanacs and Nate Wade of the Delta Islanders were snapped up by other teams.
"The cards I have been given is what I have been given," said Petrie, who joined the team last year. "I had some opportunities to make some deals and move some players. I just don't want to be put into a position like this year and last year where we don't have enough picks."
Still, the A's general manager said he was able to acquire some important pieces that should be able to help the team this year.
In the second round, the A's used their 14th overall pick — their first of the draft — to select Jake Taylor, a strong two-way defenceman who recently came off a Minto Cup championship with the Coquitlam Jr. Adanacs. Taylor is tough and mobile and picked up two assists in the final game last August, when the junior club defeated the Orangeville Northmen.
Coquitlam's next pick was Spencer Bromley, who played his junior with the Delta Islanders, who won the BCJALL championship last season. During the 21-game campaign, he netted 23 goals and picked up 38 assists
"He plays bigger than he is," said Petrie. "He is gritty. He can get you some goals."
Later in the evening, the Adanacs grabbed Austin Iredale in the third round with their 17th overall pick. The right-handed shooter has played the bulk of his junior years in Burnaby, where he scored seven points with the Lakers during 15 games last season.
Ty Klarner from the Port Coquitlam Saints was picked up by the A's in the fifth round, while Brett Kujala was Coquitlam's sixth-round pick. For their last pick of the night, Petrie chose Quinton Pavan in the seventh round, 46th overall.
Meanwhile, the Langley Thunder appeared to be picking up as many Coquitlam Jr. Adanacs as they could.
After selecting Pace with their first overall pick, the Fraser Valley club grabbed Jordan Magnuson with their fifth pick and Keegan Rittinger with their eighth.
Langley lacrosse fans have come to know many Coquitlam players, who won the Minto Cup tournament last summer at the Langley Events Centre.
NEW COACH
With the draft out of the way, Petrie will now turn his attention to acquiring a new coach, after former A's bench boss Peter Tellis stepped down a couple of weeks ago.
Petrie said there are a few potential candidates he is interested in, but so far nothing has been finalized. He added that Tellis, who stepped down to spent more time with his family, will be missed.
"He did a remarkable job," Petrie said.
