Bellies Protect Junior A Star, Lukas Nielsen

The New Westminster Senior A Salmonbellies have announced that they are protecting Lukas Nielsen ahead of the upcoming Junior A draft, securing the rights to one of the most dynamic young forwards in the game. The Salmonbellies were eligible to protect two players but elected to protect only one, preserving additional flexibility when the draft takes place January 29, 7:00 p.m. The club does not hold a first-round selection, with 6 of 7 first round picks owned by the Nanaimo Timbermen.

Nielsen previously starred with the New Westminster Junior A team, recording 50 goals and 25 assists in just 18 games during the 2024 season. His exceptional year earned him First Team All Star honours and the Henry ‘Del’ Delmonico Trophy as Junior A Most Valuable Player. He was one of only two Junior A players in 2024 to reach the 50-goal mark. He also appeared in seven regular season games and five playoff games for the Salmonbellies as a call-up in 2024, gaining valuable senior experience.

In the 2025 junior season, he played six games for the Junior A Salmonbellies in 2025, collecting nine goals and 15 assists for an average of four points per game. Because it was his graduating year, Nielsen’s rights were traded from New Westminster to the Minto Cup-hosting St. Catharines Athletics, providing him the opportunity to compete for the national championship. There, he appeared in seven regular season games where he notched seven goals and ten assists. He then added eight goals and six assists in four Minto Cup contests. 

The six-foot, 180-pound right-handed forward was drafted by the National Lacrosse League champion Buffalo Bandits in 2024. 

This season, Nielsen has already played two games with the Bandits, recording two assists, after posting one goal and one assist in just two appearances last year. With a lineup affected by change and injuries, the organization expects he will receive increased playing time in the 2025 to 2026 season.

General Manager Ray Porcellato said the club views Nielsen as a cornerstone player for years to come. “Nielsen is a natural scorer who is athletic and a quick learner, and he is getting invaluable experience with the Buffalo Bandits right now that will translate into a successful Senior A playing career,” Porcellato said.

The Salmonbellies are excited to welcome Nielsen to the team.