Aidan McDonald was the first overall pick in the 2022 BC Junior A Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
The draft for graduating U17 midget players was held virtually on Saturday night at Langley Events Centre.
The New Westminster Salmonbellies chose McDonald – who was considered the consensus top pick – out of the Ridge Meadows program.
McDonald has been a perennial all-star in every tournament he has competed in, including at box lacrosse nationals where he was an all-star at both the peewee and bantam levels. He was also named most valuable player at the 2019 provincial championships.
“Fantastic lacrosse IQ, great passer, great finisher, great defender,” said Gerry Van Beek, who provided draft analysis alongside host Tino Fera.
Van Beek is president of the BC Lacrosse Association and familiar with many of the drafted players through their time with the Team BC program.
“He is fast, quick and gritty (and) always the hardest working player in practices and games,” Van Beek said.
McDonald is currently attending Prep School in Culver, Indiana.
“I am extremely honoured and grateful for New Westminster selecting me with their first pick,” McDonald said. “I’m looking forward to starting my junior career with such a great and historic franchise.”
“I’d like to thank the Ridge Meadows Burrards and all the coaches and players who have helped me along the way.”
McDonald was one of four Ridge Meadows products selected in the first round with Jordan Meech going second overall to the Port Coquitlam Saints and the Delta Islanders selecting Jack Olson third overall.
The Saints then chose Dorian Connolley (Saanich) fourth, the Victoria Shamrocks took Adam Bailey (Juan de Fuca) at number five and the Burnaby Lakers selected Shawn Morse (Surrey) at sixth.
The fourth Ridge Meadows product to go in the first round was Graysen Balatti, who went seventh overall to the Langley Thunder. The first round wrapped up with the Saints selecting Levi Touhey (Surrey).
Altogether, 48 players were chosen over the six-round draft.
For full draft results, click here.
Photos courtesy of Mark Doyon
