NLL Insider

The Maple Ridge Burrards of the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) this season feature Curtis Dickson and Jarrett Davis, two young offensive studs projected to be first-round selections at the up-coming National Lacrosse League (NLL) draft. The two BC boys started playing box lacrosse in mini-tyke, and have been lighting the lamp (almost) ever since.

Dickson

Last year, Curtis Dickson converted on over 25% of his shots for the BC Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse League (BCJALL) New Westminster Salmonbellies before being hindered by an injury in the final. It was an impressive year for the senior, nominated by NLL Insider as one of ten finalists for National Junior Player of the Year. But he had an even better NCAA campaign with the University of Delaware, capturing the CAA championship.

In 2010, Curtis Dickson led the entire NCAA in goals scored (62) and points (75). Curtis and former Junior ‘A’ teammate Kevin Crowley were also named one of five finalists for the Tewaaraton trophy, honoring the NCAA’s best collegiate lacrosse player. “I can pretty much thank Jordan Hall and say he is the sole reason I went to UD,” offers Dickson on the route to college, stating the NLL All-Pro and former Blue Hen, Hall, had put in a good word for the fellow BC product. “I went down for a visit and the rest is history.”

“What has impressed me the most is Curt’s size and ability to create his own shot,” states Burrards’ coach Daren Fridge, adding Dickson has similar physical attributes to that of a healthy Athan Iannucci, the Wings’ forward who set the NLL single-season goal scoring record with 71 tallies as sophomore in ‘08. “He can bang with a Bruce Murray-size player down low or slice to the goal from the shooter or point area.”

“I am so excited to be able to have a chance to play pro lacrosse,” adds Dickson, who racked up an impressive 127 points in two Junior ‘A’ seasons as an under-aged player with PoCo. “It is something I have been dreaming of for a long time now, and having the opportunity before me now is pretty cool. I just want to help whatever team I get chosen to – to win. Whatever they need me to do is what I will do.”

“My dad has pretty much given me all of the lacrosse advice,” adds Dickson, who turns 22 years of age in July. “He has a lot more rings than I do (including Mintos and a Mann), so it’s tough to argue with anything he has to say. I would say, if anyone, I model my game after him.”

Davis

Jarrett Davis, who respects grinders like A’s vets Jason Wulder and Curt Malawsky, notes he matured while at NCAA Bellarmine University. ”At school my coach Jack McGetrick was diagnosed with cancer last season, so our team has been going through his battle along with him – the guy has had a huge influence on my game as well as my life,” adds Jarrett.

Davis led the Knights with 14 assists as a Junior midfielder and had 18 assists as a Senior captain. As a WLA rookie last season, he finished eighth overall in league points (61) – a mark only bettered by current NLL pros - and was named the Burrards’ MVP. This season, Davis sits Top 5 in WLA scoring, on pace for 80 points, again proving he can produce at the senior level.

“My first goal is to get drafted and from there make a team and be able to help out any way I can,” adds Davis on his NLL expectations. “I’m not one of those guys who sits down at the beginning of a season and says I want to get x-amount of points. With that being said, I expect to come into the league and play an important role for whoever I am playing for.”

“Jarrett’s ankle-breaking one-on-one moves make it very difficult for defenders to get a piece of him. His balance and speed combined with a great outside shot will make NLL defenses take notice,” adds Fridge, a former NLL Rookie of the Year forward himself who used the Burrards’ number one picks in consecutive WLA Entry Drafts to select Davis then Dickson.

Fridge saw real potential in Davis back in ‘06 when Jarrett scored a sweet, game-winning goal against the Burrards as a WLA call-up. “As soon as I saw him do that, I was like, ‘That kid can play,’” Fridge told the Maple Ridge times.

Davis’ offensive growth is also impressive considering he took four years off, before returning in Midget lacrosse (15-16 year old age category), to compete as a hockey goalie. “I missed the thrill of scoring goals,” offered Jarrett.

To catch those goals now being scored live in person or via web broadcast, visit the theboxrocks.com or burrards.ca.

In early NLL Insider predictions, Dickson and Davis ranked Top 5 among all 2010 NLL Entry Draft prospects.

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