In an effort to get the Peterborough Timbermen back on track, general manager and head coach Joe Sullivan today announced commitments from draft picks Caleb Wiles and Ian Crawford. Both were selected by the Timbermen in the inaugural ALL draft but have yet to suit up for the team.
At 5’9, 180lbs., Wiles is a highly talented left-handed offensive scoring threat that has a multitude of Canadian lacrosse experience in the MSL, QSLL, and CLAX, winning the Creator’s Cup with the Barrie Blizzard in 2015. He racked up 145 points in just 31 CLAX games, winning offensive player of the year in 2014. Wiles also has NLL experience with the Vancouver Stealth. Sullivan hopes that Wiles’ speed and athleticism will support the Timbermen and that the younger players will be able to learn from him and begin to produce more consistent offense.
Crawford is a QSLL stalwart, a menacing physical defender that stands 6’1 and 220lbs. He suited up for a game with the Minnesota Swarm in 2015 and had an immediate impact with his tenacious checking and no-quit style of play.
Both players are expected to make their debuts on February 11th versus Six Nations. Matt Crough is also expected to return to the lineup after serving a two-game suspension.
“This game will mark the first time we have had our full lineup together on the floor this season,” Sullivan said. “Four games into our season I am still very confident and enthusiastic about what we are doing. Sitting 0-4 may seem bleak but the purpose of this team is to develop young, local players and progress their careers. After four games we have dressed 28 different team members ensuring that all players are truly getting the opportunity to develop. This group of young men has impressed me immensely. They practice for two hours every Friday night from 9-11pm just outside Cobourg and they play on the road as far away as St. Catharines. They do this all out of their own pockets and with the support of local businesses in the Peterborough community. Their dedication and commitment to becoming better lacrosse players is so refreshing for me to be a part of.”
Sullivan also said the team is in conversation with former Toronto Rock defenseman Colin Boucher, also a member of the Mann Cup champion Six Nations Chiefs.
