PRESS RELEASE: 2018 Coaching and Managing Staff

The Burnaby Lakers are pleased to announce the Coaching and Operations staff for the 2018 season.

Peter Tellis will remain in the role of Head Coach and will be joined on the bench by Defensive Coach Kyle Sorensen. Longstanding Lakers’ staff member Remo Spagnuolo will do double duty as an Assistant Coach and Assistant to General Manager, Kevin Hill. Julian Kolb has joined the club in the role of Head Scout.

Peter Tellis made his debut as Head Coach of the Lakers late in the 2017 season and steered the club through its playoff run and WLA Finals. With a passion for the game and eight years of playing experience in the Western Lacrosse Association including stints with the Maple Ridge Burrards and New Westminster Salmonbellies, Peter’s passion for the game quickly led him from a spot on the bench to a position behind the bench. He most recent coaching experience comes from both the junior and senior Coquitlam Adanacs. “Peter is a real student of the game. He thoroughly reviews game film from all leagues looking for ways to improve our club and himself as a coach,” said General Manager Kevin Hill.

Kyle Sorensen hails from Peterborough, Ontario and joins the Burnaby Lakers after being a part of the Coquitlam Junior Adanacs coaching staff that won the Provincial Championship and appeared at the Minto Cup in 2016. Kyle has won the NLL’s Champions Cup, four Mann Cups and is one of few players to have won a Minto and a Mann Cup in the same year. Kyle was picked second overall in the 2006 National Lacrosse League draft and spent his entire playing career with the Stealth organization. Upon his retirement from the NLL, he transitioned into a management role with the local club. “Kyle led by example as a player and we’re excited to see how that carries over into his coaching career in Burnaby,” Hill remarked. “He has a sharp lacrosse mind and is a great addition to this organization.”

Remo Spagnuolo is no stranger to Burnaby lacrosse. He grew up as a player in the minor ranks and continued as a Laker until his Intermediate year. He transitioned to coaching in 2002 when he joined Burnaby Intermediate A then moved into an Assistant Coach role with the Junior A club in 2004. Over five years with the Junior Lakers, including one in the role of Head Coach, Remo was a part of four Minto Cup runs and two championship victories. He made the jump to the WLA in 2010 with the Langley Thunder and returned to Burnaby Senior after five years across the river.  GM Hill praised Remo’s versatility, “Remo has a long history with Burnaby lacrosse and whether it’s on the floor, in the community or with the players, his passion for the game is contagious.”

Head Scout Julian Kolb comes to the Lakers after career as a journeyman in both Ontario and BC men’s lacrosse. Through his experience in the OLA, WLA and WCSLA, Julian has worked with many of today’s most talented players. According to Hill, “Julian has a good eye for talent and through his experience has made excellent connections throughout the lacrosse world.”

The Lakers will open the 2018 season on the road in Langley on May 23rd.

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