Salmonbellies Trade Prospect Ben Stewart for Ryan Martel

In yet another move that demonstrates the commitment of the Senior A Salmonbellies in pursuing their 25th Mann Cup, the team announced today that they have made a trade with the Burnaby Lakers.  The team acquired Ryan Martel and gave up prospect Ben Stewart.

Martel is an offensive threat for the professional Vancouver Warriors and he has been on the rise of late, including a five-goal performance against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs just two weeks ago. He is known as an agile and adaptable player who can start his shifts out the offensive gate or help to carry the ball up the floor. 

GM Ray Porcellato acknowledged that it was a tough decision to lose Stewart, a New West native acquired as a protection pick in the 2023 draft.  “It wasn’t easy moving a blue chip prospect like Ben Stewart, but Ryan Martel is an established NLL player that is still improving and will be an everyday contributor of our offence.”

President Paul Horn echoed those thoughts. “Make no mistake about the direction of our team for 2023.  We’re aiming for the Mann Cup and we’ll need an experienced roster to accomplish that goal.  There’s a reason Martel was drafted in the NLL’s first round in 2017 and fans will see that this season.”

Martel is enthusiastic about coming to Queens Park. “I’m really looking forward to joining such a historic team that I always admired growing up. I can’t wait to get to work and start contributing to the Bellies as they are focused on a deep playoff run and I believe we have the team to do just that.”

The Bellies start their season on May 25th at Queens Park. Season tickets are on-sale now at salmonbellies.com. “Watch for some exciting promotions in the next few weeks,” said Horn.  “Thanks to our partners at Stonehaus Realty, we will have a family package launching in the next few days.”