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Nanaimo Timbermen forward Jon Diplock

The Nanaimo Jr. A Timbermen joined the BCJALL ranks in 2005.

They went 0-21, and as their record would suggest, sat dead last in the league, way outside of a post-season spot, emphasis on way.

Fast forward a summer later, and recent Jr. A grad Jon Diplock led the team to a historic OT win, giving the young squad their first ever win in the loop (more on that after the jump).

About a month back, after qualifying for the post-season for their third straight year and making steady climbs as an organization, the T-Men exited this year’s playoffs, their final goal of the ‘09 season coming off of who else but Jonny Diplock’s stick, his last as a Jr. A lacrosse player.

Diplock, who’s made a handful of trips to the big leagues playing for the Sr. A T-Men over the past few seasons, is pro draft eligible this year, and although his 5′7″ frame might scare off those that haven’t seen much of his play, former Calgary Roughnecks GM and current Nanaimo assistant coach, Dave Bremner, thinks NLL teams will be missing out on one helluva prospect if they maintain that mindset.

“I just wonder why size has anything to do with it anymore,” said Bremner, who also points out that sub-six footers like Shawn Evans, Tracey Kelusky, Josh Sanderson, Gavin Prout and Gary Bining last year in Boston, excelled in the “bigs” even though their size mighta been questioned at some point over their lacrosse lives.

“The key to Jonny’s game is the fact he is relentless, a tireless worker and someone who doesn’t let bigger opponents or defenders stop his game and his desire to get to the net,” added Breamner, comparing Diplock’s game to former double Mann Cup winner and 5′8″ Victoria legend, Chris Prat.

JON DIPLOCK

Height: 5′7″
Weight: 170 lbs.
Position: Forward
Shoots: Right
From: Nanaimo, BC
Junior: Nanaimo Timbermen
Senior: Nanaimo Timbermen (call-up)
NCAA: Lindenwood University

What do you feel your greatest asset is that would allow you to translate your game to the NLL?
My work ethic and love for the game.

One (or a couple) words(s) to describe your game?
Never give up.

What role/position do you see yourself playing in the NLL?
Whatever will get me in the NLL, but if I had to pick, I’d say a forward. I feel more comfortable anywhere on the left side, but I have played everywhere for my junior team, even goalie (lol).

What current or former NLLer would you most closely compare or model your game after?
I don’t really know who I play like, but someone that I look up to is Kaleb Toth. I’ve been able to watch and play with him for a few years in the WLA and his attitude towards the game is something special and I think he is always on top of his game.

Your greatest accomplishment (team or individual) during your college, junior or even senior lacrosse career?
My personal accomplishment would have to be when I played my first full season for the Jr. A T-Men. The team hadn’t won a game until we played Surrey for the second time and I managed to get seven goals, including the goal to take it into overtime and the first ever T-Men game winning goal with 17 seconds left in the game. It was pretty amazing.

Anything else to add?
I will play for any team that drafts me. I am pretty familiar with the States so I wouldn’t mind going there. I am interested in working for a sports organization in the front office and I am currently going to school at Victoria University for recreation and sports management. This past summer I have been doing an internship with the Sr. A T-Men and the VI Raiders Football Club. I feel these experiences will prepare me for what is to come in the next few years and I am truly excited for the draft and my future in lacrosse no matter where I go.

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)
• The spicy yet methodical Brampton Excels off-season pickup Dane Stevens (Read More)

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