Salmonbellies Sign Five Impact Players as 2025 Mann Cup Push Begins

With the 2025 Mann Cup returning to the West Coast, the New Westminster Salmonbellies have added five key signings to bolster their roster and reinforce their championship ambitions.  (Pssst... Read all about these five new Bellies and earn a cookie below!)

President and GM Ray Porcellato emphasized the club’s determination, “With the Mann Cup being played in the West this year, we are fully invested in winning our 25th Cup, and these signings prove that we are looking to compete.”

Coming to the Bellies are:

Tye Kurtz – Right-Handed Forward, 6’0”, 185 lbs

Kurtz joins the Salmonbellies after an outstanding NCAA career at the University of Delaware, where he finished as the program’s all-time leader in goals and ranked top-five in career points. Known for his quick release, off-ball movement, and lacrosse IQ, Kurtz brings size and finishing ability to the right side of the offence. After  a successful Junior career with the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves, he had his National Lacrosse League debut this season with the Albany Firewolves, ending the season with 35 goals and 52 assists.  

Head Coach Jason Bishop praised his potential, “The size and athleticism of a player like Kurtz means our offence is simply going to have more opportunities.”

Zac Masson – Transition / Defense, 6’2”, 195 lbs

Another member of the NLL Albany Firewolves, Masson is considered a gritty, high-motor transition player, who brings versatility and playoff pedigree. Masson is a proud Orangeville Northmen alumnus and two-time OJALL Defender of the Year. A former NCAA Hockey standout, he is well familiar with the west coast as a former member of the Langley Rivermen. He adds speed, IQ, and experience to both ends of the floor, especially in the high-stakes playoff atmosphere the WLA demands.  “He reminds me a lot of (retired two-sport star) Brendan Ranford,” said Porcellato.  “He has the combination of size and deceptive speed that every team needs.”

Phil Caputo – Right-Handed Forward, 6’2”, 200 lbs

A proven veteran and natural leader, “Uncle Phil” Caputo brings firepower and experience to the Salmonbellies’ offence. With 130 goals in a 9-year NLL career - most recently with the Philadelphia Wings - and plenty of summer ball experience with the junior and senior  Brampton Excelsiors, Caputo is a respected difference-maker. His physical style and clutch scoring ability make him invaluable in both 5-on-5 and special teams situations, and he was a vital part of the Ladner Pioneers President’s Cup win in 2023. “You simply can’t replace experience and poise, and Phil brings both of those,” said Bishop.

Jeff Henrick – Defense, 6’2”, 200 lbs

Henrick is a shutdown defender with an impressive résumé. He returns to the Bellies after a hiatus of 5 years.  He was a standout defender in the 2019 season where he played alongside other Ohio State alumni Logan Schuss and Austin Shanks.  Since 2020, he has been a regular out the back gate for the NLL’s Georgia Swarm. A former captain of the OJALL Northmen, Henrick brings leadership, poise, and a strong physical presence to the Salmonbellies’ defense. “He also offers a consistent transition threat and is incredibly steady in key moments,” reports Porcellato. 

Jacob Ruest – Right-Handed Transition/Defender, 6’1”, 190 lbs

A veteran of both the WLA and NLL, Ruest adds playmaking and depth to the defensive corps. A consistent producer with the Colorado Mammoth, Albany Firewolves and Las Vegas Desert Dogs, he has big game experience at every level. Ruest’s field of vision, passing touch, and deceptive shot in transition will complement New West’s offensive core.  Bishop says that he is equally useful out both doors.  “Coaches really appreciate players like Jacob because they are assets no matter where you play them.” “Rooster” is well-known to WLA fans as a longtime member of the Victoria Shamrocks.

Porcellato highlighted the strategic approach behind the roster build, “To win in a Mann Cup in this era, you need the world’s greatest players. These additions have been in the works for some time because we had to get even better at both ends. Combined with our returning veterans, we think we have the perfect combination of skill and chemistry.”

“We’re not done, and we will have more announcements as we get closer to the season.”

Coach Bishop echoed the excitement in the locker room, “These acquisitions breathe new energy into our team and will work seamlessly with our core returning group. To put it simply, we just became a more dangerous team and one with a new set of weapons.”

The Salmonbellies’ 2025 season begins May 22 at 7:00 PM at Queens Park Arena. Tickets are available now here.

AND BECAUSE YOU READ THIS WHOLE ANNOUNCEMENT, YOU DESERVE A COOKIE! 

Use the promo code 5NEWBELLIES until 9 am Saturday May 10 to receive 25% off tickets to Game 2 (May 29 against the Langley Thunder) of our 2025 season.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for announcements about returning players and additions.