After a streak of disappointing seasons, the Toronto Beaches Junior A Lacrosse team has introduced some new faces to their management team, including three prominent professionals.
The new General Manager is Brodie Merrill who plays for the Philadelphia Wings in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
The 30-year-old Orangeville native is excited to take on the task and push the team to a playoff season.
“The expectations are going to be high,” said Merrill. “We want to come in and establish a winning culture and be a competitive team in the league.”
Merril is confident that things will turn fairly quickly. One of the reasons is the hiring of new head coach Bruce Codd, also an NLL player who has joined the Toronto Rock squad this season.
Codd, also a native of Orangeville, has over 10 years of professional experience and is excited for the opportunity to coach the team.
“I’m looking forward to turn things around through hard work and commitment,” said Codd. “My expectation is that we’ll have guys come to the arena and will sacrifice their bodies and their time and work real hard.”
Other additions to the management and coaching team include Assistant GM Ryan Cousins who plays with the Rochester Nighthawks, Assistant Coaches Merrick Thomson, Scott Crombie, and Ashton McLean. Keith Begley will continue to be involved with the team as Head Scout.
Jack Wilkinson, a local importer/exporter, is the new Director.
Aside from improving the team’s performance, management is also working hard at getting the word out to the community to increase their fan base.
“We want the fans to come and appreciate a team that’s going to work hard. I think that’s what they’ll expect,” said Codd. “As coaches we want to put an exciting product on the floor for the fans.”
Merrill wants to make the team a more prominent part of the Beach community.
“Come out and support our team. It’s a great way to really bring the Beach community together,” was the message to the fans from Merrill, who recently moved to the Beach area. “It’s fun to be a part of and the players really appreciate the support.”
For more on the Toronto Beaches Jr. A Lacrosse team and information on season tickets you can visit their website at www.torontobeachesjralacrosse.com.
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