Laurentians roster for the nationals

The St.Lawrence Laurentians have submitted their 2o man roster for the 2008 National Challenge Cup. There are a few surprises and I'll discuss that but first I will make the roster public.

Listed below are the Players and their numbers

St. Lawrence Laurentians

Jersey nu.	Name
10	Rudy Norman
12	Blair Aylward
15	Darren Pike
11	Clinton Edwards
3	Marc Pittman
32	Andrew Perrot
4	Michael Douglas
8	Mike Howlett
6	Paul Slaney
9	Richard Kelly
20	Ryan Slaney
23	Jonathan Pickett
13	Alec Turpin
7	Sean Edwards
1	John Douglas
0	Tristan Slaney
21	Tyler Beck
19	Jeremy Brenton
18	Stefan Slaney
25	Dr. Paul Slaney

St.Lawrence Coaching Staff

Name	Type
Derek Strang	Coach
Jonathan Edwards	Team Manager
Dr. Paul Slaney	Assistant

Surprises!

Chris Caines and Keith Jackman to watch the games from the bleachers

I am somewhat surprised that Dr. Paul Slaney, who is St.Lawrence's Assistant Coach, is also listed as a player. I was to the understanding that Chris Caines, who was asked to join the team and had been training with the team since Labor Day Weekend has been left off the roster. I was also informed that Chris who is employed with a local contractor from St.Lawrence had requested time off and it was granted. He obviously was to the understanding he was to be a part of the team during the Nationals. Caines past experience could have helped the team in some defensive situations and his famous pronounced shot could have been used as a secret weapon against BC or Ontario. Caines very well could have been a replacement for Joe Cecchini. Cecchini would have joined St.Lawrence if it weren't for the chaos which was created concerning his transfer from Alberta.

"It is my belief that if St.Lawrence are to ever win a National Challenge Cup, it is now or never."

It was also my understanding that veteran goalkeeper Keith Jackman would be joining the Laurentians for the Nationals, along with goalkeepers John Douglas and Tristan Slaney. Jackman had been doing some training with the senior Laurentians since Labor Day as well. So I guess, if the above roster remains intact, both veteran players will watch the Nationals from the grandstands .

Adam Loder out

Adam Loder, who had hoped to return to the Laurentians during the National Tournament, has given in to his injury, a busted up knee. Adam, who was hurt against Alberta in the opening game of the 2007 Nationals, has undergone surgery and extensive therapy since that time and has made a wise decision to sit out the rest of the season. Loder's injury is listed as a torn anterior cruciate ligament or ACL.

St.Lawrence to carry minors

At the Nationals, the Laurentians will be bring along four players from their Under 18 team. Basically these young men will not dress nor will they play but they will be introduced to the Laurentian way. They will learn what it's all about. I think this is an excellent idea. The four players are: Aaron Slaney, Brandon Slaney, Marcus Turpin and Kyle Norman. I also like the fact that these four kids have Laurentian roots and are players that we can build a future on. Put them on the field next year with Sean Edwards and Stefan Slaney and you could very well be looking at the nucleus of a Laurentian team in the future. Enjoy the tournament young fellows !!