NLL Entry Draft: Hello My Name Is… Dane Stevens

August 4th, 2009 by Paul Tutka

Brampton Jr. Excelsiors forward Dane Stevens

Although the Jr. A Brampton Excelsiors made some significant high profile moves at this past regular season’s trade deadline in Ontario, it mighta been the under hyped, little talked about pickup they made before the start of the ‘09 season that has paid off some of the biggest dividends for them this summer.

That player that has immensely helped the Excels land a spot in the OLA final? Dane Stevens (good guess, considering his name is in the title).

Stevens, a former regular with the Delta Islanders and previously Burnbay Lakers ‘08 playoff push pickup, has been one of this summer’s bigger impact Jr. A ball players that has likely turned some pro-heads in the East and picked up some steam heading into the NLL Entry draft.

DANE STEVENS

Height: 6′3″
Weight: 205 lbs.
Position: Forward
Shoots: Lefty
From: Westham Islands, BC
Junior: Delta/Burnaby/Brampton

What do you feel your greatest asset is that would allow you to translate your game to the NLL?
Probably my size and game awareness. I’m working on how to see the floor better. I want to have Andrew Potter’s owl-like vision one day.

One (or a couple) word(s) to describe your game?
Kyle Rubisch describes me as spicy yet methodical. I try to out-think opponents for the most part, getting in their heads is usually pretty fun.

What role/position do you see yourself playing in the NLL?
Forward, most likely setting picks. Michael Burke is currently teaching me how to be more of an enforcer so I can round out my game. Seriously, I’d never mess with that guy, ever.

What current or former NLLer would you most closely compare or model your game after?
It’s a toss up between Randy Jones (former Mann Cup winning Sr. Bellie) or Brian “The Turbo Diesel” Beisel.

Your greatest accomplishment (team or individual) during your college, junior or even senior lacrosse career?
Sweeping Matt Beers and the seemingly unbeatable Adanacs last year with the Lakers was awesome. Winning the Wooster Tournament in Midget, we beat Oakville, that was sweet. Although the other day my fortune cookie at the Mandarin Restaurant said “The Best Has Yet To Come” so hopefully that’s true.

Anything else to add?
I’m able to relocate to any NLL city. I also own and operate my own business outside of lacrosse.

Note: ‘09 playoff stats below as of August 4. Hit this link for Stevens’ OLA profile to track his numbers through the rest of the post-season.

Dane Stevens Career Stats

BCJALL & OLA Regular Season
Yr.	Team	Level	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
'09	Brampton Excelsiors	OLA JR A	19	19	33	52	8
'08	Delta/Burnaby Lakers	BCJALL	23	23	32	55	46
'07	Delta Islanders	BCJALL	21	13	25	38	31
'06	Delta Islanders	BCJALL	6	2	6	8	2
		Total	69	57	96	153	87

BCJALL & OLA Playoffs
Yr.	Team	Level	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
'09	Brampton Excelsiors	OLA JR A	9	13	14	27	4
'08	Burnaby Lakers	BCJALL	12	13	19	32	12
'06	Delta Islanders	BCJALL	2	2	0	2	0
		Total	23	28	33	61	16

Other Hello My Name Is…

Former Jr. B scoring sensation and Mars Hill attacker Dave Hodgins (Read More)
Coquitlam Adanacs smash mouth pure defender Brandon Turner (Read More)
Victoria Shamrocks versatile D/two-way stud Erik Sage (Read More)
Gritty Peterborough Lakers power forward Kyle Clancy (Read More)