IL Indoor

Burnaby Lakers forward Shaun Dhaliwal

A couple weeks back we mentioned how much tougher it was for junior-to-pro prospects to make the massive jump to being an everyday offensive contributor in the National Lacrosse League.

With that said, there are a few out there this year that might have the chops to make a serious go as early as this winter.

One guy that has shown some legit potential in making that jump and already has a number of pro GM’s penciling his name onto their draft wish list… the Burnaby Lakers’ Shaun Dhaliwal, who also spent a bit of time with both the WLA’s New Westminster Salmonbellies and Langley Thunder (post-season practice) in ‘09.

SHAUN DHALIWAL

Height: 5′10″
Weight: 175 lbs.
Position: Forward
Shoots: Right
From: Richmond, BC
Junior: Burnaby Lakers
Senior: Has spent time with New Westminster and Langley

What do you feel our greatest asset is that would allow you to translate your game to the NLL?
I think my all around athletic ability, fitness and work ethic will play a large roll, my speed and grittiness to looseballs. Also my ability to set good hard picks to allow others to get open, but I’m also able to put the ball in the net. I play every shift with heart and with a winning mentality. I think I have good floor awareness and am able to pick up new concepts, roles and systems really quickly.

One (or a couple) word(s) to describe your game?
Athletic, consistent, improving, hard working and versatile.

What role/position do you see yourself playing in the NLL?
I see myself playing on the offensive end. As for what role, it would depend on what the team is looking for and what kind of style they play. I can adapt to any role that is given to me; setting picks, goal scoring, play making etc… I also can see myself on the face-off team and have a very strong ground ball game.

What current or former NLLer would you most closely compare or model your game after?
He’s currently not in the NLL but will be after the ‘09 Entry Draft, and will make a large impact, and that’s Ilija Gajic from the WLA Salmonbelies. Ever since I joined the Lakers in ‘06 and watched him play throughout my life, he has shown me to play every game like it’s your last, and to play with that warrior, winning mentality.

Your greatest accomplishment (team or individual) during your college, junior or even senior lacrosse career?
2005 Intermediate ‘A’ league MVP, First Team All-Star, Most Sportsmanlike Player
2007 Minto Cup finalist against the Six Nations Arrows
2008 BCJALL leading post season goal scorer
2008 BCJALL play-off finalist

Anything else to add?
I’m a multi sport athlete, currently playing Division I rugby at the University of Victoria Vikes program and have played at a national and provincial level. I also played a large roll in the first ever field lacrosse program at UVIC as the director of recruiting.

Although I’ve been a big fan of the Rougnecks and Mammoth since the Ravens left Vancouver, I’m up for a role with really any team in the league and am willing to relocate.

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)
• Nanaimo T-Men Jr. A forward Jon Diplock (Read More)
• Edmonton’s past-first forward Sean Reid (Read More)
• Loyola grad and current MLL defender PT Ricci (Read More)
• Calgary Raiders agreesive, physical defender Garrett Werschke (Read More)
• The Burlington Chiefs timely scoring ace Ryan Learn (Read More)

Rate This Story:

(+27 rating, 7 votes)

 Loading ...