The Western Lacrosse Association’s leading two point-getters the last two seasons, Corey Small and Rhys Duch, are back together again as the Victoria Shamrocks confirmed the signing of the latter late Tuesday night.
The three-time defending WLA champs and 2015 Mann Cup winners also confirmed that Small will wear the captaincy this year, replacing the retired Scott Ranger. Fellow veterans Greg Harnett and Matt Yager will be assistants.
“Obviously, it’s an honour, alongside some of the other guys who have worn it in the history of this team,” Small said of donning the C. “I’m excited to take on the role.”
Duch and Small both finished with 76 points for the Shamrocks in 2014, leading all WLA players, and the same held true last season with Small collecting 79 and Duch 75.
Duch missed one regular-season game in 2015 and two in the previous campaign. In his seven seasons in green, he has provided 301 goals and 446 assists in 155 combined playoff and regular-season outings.
He also finished fifth in National Lacrosse League scoring with the Vancouver Stealth (where he also plays with Small) this past season with 111 points in 18 games and, like Small, recorded career highs in goals, assists and power-play goals in the pro winter league.
Small scored in every Stealth game, finishing with 37 goals and 47 assists. He had nine power-play goals and three game-winners.
Duch’s 111 points tied the Stealth’s single-season point record set by Colin Doyle, managing 48 goals and 63 assists with 12 tallies on the power play.
“It was a good personal year,” said Duch, 29, who’s feeling healthy. “I think that’s a reason that helped me through this winter season and it’s looking good for the summer.
“It was a nice little break after the NLL. I’m getting my life organized here in town with the family and work, and I’m always excited to be back in Victoria.”
The Shamrocks begin play Friday as they welcome the Nanaimo Timbermen at 7:45 p.m. at The Q Centre.
