IL Indoor

Top 10 in Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) scoring last year and again this season, Alex Turner of the WLA Langley Thunder has proven he can score at the Senior ‘A’ level. At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, he also has the size. So is it just a matter of time before the Kamloops, BC, native cracks the National Lacrosse League (NLL)?

“He has everything it takes,” offers Thunder GM Gerry Van Beek. “Turner is on the cusp of finding the spot / opportunity in the NLL.”

Indeed, it may just be that opportunity that the 23-year-old Turner needs.

For comparison, last season Turner registered 24 goals and 59 points in 17 WLA games, while summer teammate Stephan Leblanc had 18 goals and 42 points in the same number of games.

While Leblanc would go on to capture 2010 NLL Rookie of the Year (ROY) honors with the Toronto Rock, named NLL All-Rookie along with fellow Thunder teammate Garrett Billings, Turner was left on the outside looking in – fitting into just one NLL game with the Minnesota Swarm.

Initially drafted No. 32 overall by the Stealth – then moved on ‘09 Draft Day with Aaron Bold to the NLL Minnesota Swarm for the No. 13 and No. 23 overall draft picks – it was the second year in a row that Alex had a difficult time cracking an NLL game-day roster.

In ’08, Turner was behind stars Colin Doyle, Cam Sedgwick plus five forwards the Stealth selected in the first-rounds of the ‘07 and ‘08 Drafts, including ROY winner Rhys Duch and Paul Rabil. And while he looked good with his limited touches scoring 16 points, Turner only fit into seven games his rookie year.

Despite the limited floor time, the former BC Junior ‘A’ All-Star – who competed in the ‘07 Minto Cup, impressively leading the New Westminster Junior ‘A’ Salmonbellies in 2007 and 2008 playoff scoring – still has taken a positive outlook on his time in the big league.

“The past few years in the NLL have been learning experiences,” states Turner. “The coaches and players have been very supportive, reminding me that I am still young and to keep working hard. I have watched a lot of lacrosse the past two years and I try to focus on key players and figure out what makes them successful.”

“Playing for the Thunder is great,” added Turner, when interviewed earlier this season. “There is a real close knit family feel to the team.”

“My main focus for next NLL season is improving foot-speed and agility,” added Turner, noting he’s always trying to improve his understanding of offensive sets and working in the two man game. “I also plan on having my lacrosse stick with me 24/7 between the two seasons.”

Van Beeks adds Turner has “great work ethic in practice and games. He lives and breathes lacrosse and it shows.”

“He is very unselfish and skilled,” continued Van Beek in his praise of Turner. “Alex has a great shot and ability to lean through defenders to create opportunities. He has a big enough chip that he is not afraid to try things – that makes him an exciting player.”

Skilled and determined with proven scoring touch, Alex Turner is a likely NLL coming attraction.

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