Their names don’t appear often on the scoresheet but are two critical pieces in the Delta Islanders’ transformation into an elite team in the B.C. Junior “A” Lacrosse League.
The Islanders are off to their best start in franchise history with a 7-1-0 record and are currently ranked fourth in the nation.
It’s no secret the early success is a reflection of what head coach Greg Rennie accomplished in three seasons running the Richmond Intermediate “A” program. He has at least seven former Roadrunners on his roster including defensive standouts Jordan Gilles and Brad Hofmann.
When Rennie acquired Gilles from the six-time defending league champion Coquitlam Adanacs for his final season of junior eligibility, he was promptly named assistant captain. Hofmann, in his second year with Delta, is the team’s new captain. Both McMath secondary graduates know exactly what their coach is looking for.
“I think about half our team played under Greg in Richmond,” said Gilles. “Just bringing us back together, he knows how we play and how we all get along. It’s the same fun we were having (in intermediate).
“I was a little surprised (to be named assistant captain) my first year coming in but Greg knows I have the experience of playing in a Minto Cup. That’s what I’m bringing here and trying to show the guys.”
The Islanders were very fortunate the league midget draft went into a hiatus long enough for Richmond’s top players to essentially be free agents when they graduated from intermediate. It allowed them to be reunited with Rennie.
“We all wanted to keep playing together and keep winning,” said Hofmann. “This is a way better team when you look at the overall talent (from elsewhere). We know we have a shot (to win the league) and we don’t want to waste that.
“These guys are a very easy group to lead and I am kind of comfortable with this role. We all have the same goals and we want to win. We are here for business.”
Not all the Richmond talent fell into the Islanders’ lap.
Gilles was highly sought after and ended up signing with the Adanacs where he helped the team win a pair of league championships. He became Delta property for the 2015 season as part of the Eli McLaughlin trade last July.
“I live in Richmond so this drive is way better,” laughed Gilles who is battling an ankle injury he picked up last fall playing for the Langara men’s soccer team. We are (7-1-0) so I am not complaining. and I will play my heart out wherever I go.
“It is a good experience being here right now. We are playing great as a team. I think it’s going to come down to playoffs and it will be good.”
Gilles’ family has been heavily involved in Richmond Lacrosse over the years. Hofmann was coached by Jordan’s father Mike Gilles for a good portion of his minor lacrosse year.
Mike played for the WLA Richmond Outlaws when they were based out of Minoru Arenas back in the 1980s.
“Jordan is a year older than me so his dad coached me every other year,” he said. “They are a great family and Jordan is a phenomenal player. (Coquitlam) knew they had to give up something big to get Eli and Jordan is a huge pick up for us.”
Hofmann turned down potential field lacrosse offers down south to attend McGill University where he is working on his degree in pharmacology. He and Islanders teammate Spencer Bromley have helped the Montreal school go undefeated for two straight years, only to lose the national final to Guelph.
“It’s just a better fit for me. I can focus more on academics and just enjoy playing lacrosse,” added Hofmann.
He has two more cracks at a CIS championship but for now is focused on helping the Islanders reach new heights.
“You can only be the best when you beat the best. That’s what we are here to do.”
