Chiefs go with size at 2021 Entry Draft

 

 

Duane Jacobs certainly got the most out of what was in front of him Thursday night at the Major Series Lacrosse Entry Draft.

With the 11th overall pick in the second round, the Chiefs first selection of the night was Owen Down. Down, is a big physical defender at six-foot-five, and 200 pounds. He was an impact player for the Beaches in 2019. Down, from Scarborough, also has a strong field game, attending Hill Academy, before suiting up for Robert Morris University.

“He’s a big tough guy,” Jacobs said. “He and Liam Leclair could be a towering duo.”

With three picks heading in, Jacobs swung a fourth-round deal with the Peterborough Lakers to add one more, and possibly getting the steal of the night. That came in the fourth round, with the 22nd pick, when the Chiefs added Shonwahnonkon Thomson. Thompson, from Akwesasne, played for the junior B Indians, before suiting up for the National Lacrosse League’s Halifax Thunderbirds last season. At six-foot-two, and 175 pounds, Jacobs adds more size and skill in the back end. In 2020, Thompson was the 38th overall in the 2019 NLL Entry Draft, and finished his rookie season collecting 30 loose balls in 10 games.

“Thompson really is a steal for us,” Jacobs said. “He’s a proven young talent, and slipped under the other team’s radars. We’re happy about that.”

The Chiefs also had the 23rd overall pick, and went with Chris Weier, from the Orangeville Northmen. Jacobs added another defender, this time with championship experience. Weier is among the 10 names from the 2019 Minto Cup champion Orangemen selected Thursday. The Niagara-on-the-Lake resident was also drafted by the NLL’s Toronto Rock. 

In the fifth round, the Chiefs last selection was Mason Kamminga, from the St. Catharines Athletics. Kamminga, from St. catharines, is a transition player that can take the draw. He spent four full seasons with the Athletics and became a main piece to that organization. 

On the field, Kamminga attends and plays for the Detroit Mercy Titans.

“Overall I am really happy with what we did tonight,” Jacobs said. “We wanted big, strong kids with experience, and we were able to get that. Size matters and that’s the approach we wanted to take.”