New Westminster Salmonbellies Make Key Trades and Draft Picks Ahead of 2026 WLA Season

The Salmonbellies made several significant moves during the 2026 Western Lacrosse Association draft as they prepare for a season that is expected to see some roster changes.

The Salmonbellies previously announced they had protected standout Junior Salmonbellies scoring star Lukas Nielsen. Nielsen was drafted in 2024 by the National Lacrosse League’s Buffalo Bandits and has played two games in each of the last two seasons. In 2024 he was a frequent call‑up for the Salmonbellies Senior A team and scored at an impressive goal‑per‑game pace.

There were only two trades on draft night and the Salmonbellies were involved in both. Defensive standout Sean Kriwoken was dealt to the Coquitlam Adanacs in exchange for a second‑round draft pick. In a separate deal, Tyrell Hamer‑Jackson and Zac Masson were sent to the Langley Thunder in return for Warren Jeffrey, Toru Morimatsu, and future considerations.

Jeffrey is a big, experienced left‑handed defender, standing 6 ft 3 in and 225 lb. He was selected sixth overall in the 2019 National Lacrosse League Draft and plays as a core part of the Colorado Mammoth. He also suited up for the Utah Archers in the Premier Lacrosse League during the summer.

Morimatsu’s journey is a remarkable story. After falling in love with lacrosse in Japan, he moved to Canada and the United States to pursue his passion for the game. After playing a year at the University of California, Berkeley, he developed his box lacrosse skills in the Arena Lacrosse League before joining the Western Lacrosse Association’s Langley Thunder. Known as a natural athlete, Morimatsu brings versatility as an offensive player in box lacrosse and valuable midfield experience from field lacrosse.

With the 14th overall pick, the Salmonbellies selected right‑handed forward Jaden LaBerge from the Delta Islanders. LaBerge, also drafted by the Vancouver Warriors of the NLL, is known for his work ethic, drive and quick ability to learn.

At 16th overall, New Westminster chose defender Ty Fisher, a right-handed transition player who can contribute reliably at both ends.

With the 22nd pick, they selected Caleb Borg, a junior at Lewis University (NCAA Division II), where he plays big stick. Borg will bring a physical presence to the defensive end of the floor.

In the third round, the club added right‑handed defender Nathan Ma with the 17th pick. Ma comes from the Coquitlam Adanacs and is a student at the University of British Columbia.

In the fourth round, the Salmonbellies took Dylan Doucette at 29th overall from the Langley Junior Thunder. Doucette, son of former Salmonbellies defender Justin Doucette, is a right‑handed defender and noted face‑off specialist for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association. He adds versatility and the ability to stay on the floor and contribute in transition.

With their final pick, 36th overall in round five, New Westminster selected Colburn Connelly from the New Westminster Junior Salmonbellies. Connelly is a right‑handed defender and defensive transition specialist at Young Harris University, standing 6 ft 2 in and 200 lb.

General Manager Ray Porcellato said he was happy with the club’s acquisitions: “We were looking for athletic defenders who would have a strong chance to contribute to the 2026 team’s success. We expect all of our 2026 selections to push hard for roster spots.”