‘All Business’ as Suboch Faces Former Team in Week 16

Warriors’ defenseman Jackson Suboch will be facing his former team the Las Vegas Desert Dogs this Friday for the St. Patrick’s Day game at Rogers Arena. 

Suboch was part of the NLL’s expansion franchise and had fun living in Las Vegas for the year he played down there. 

“It’s fun playing a former team. At the end of the day, I have a lot of friends on that team, but for two hours when we’re between the lines it’s strictly business. After the game we can have a beer, shake hands and tell some stories, but until the final whistle blows it’s all business and I’m focused on our Warriors team and taking care of my guys,” Suboch said. 

After last season with the Desert Dogs, Suboch came up to play with the Maple Ridge Burrards of the WLA and ended up being traded to the Warriors and staying in Vancouver.  

“I’m very happy where I am with the Warriors organization, and I feel lucky to be a part of it,” said the Toronto native. 

Last year with the way the NLL season was structured, the Warriors and Desert Dogs matched up three times. This Friday’s clash is the first of two meetings this season between the squads, and no one knows Vegas better than Suboch. 

The defensive structure has been the backbone of the Warriors throughout the season and will be just as important against Las Vegas who has some wily forwards. Victoria’s Casey Jackson leads the Desert Dogs with 26 goals and is coming off a season-high eight-point game (5 goals, 3 assists) against the New York Riptide. 

Rob Hellyer and Jack Hannah are two of the top point getters for Las Vegas and Suboch says there’s a lot they do well offensively. 

“They’re a hell of a team – they’re fast, they’re smart, they’re skilled and they’re tough. They’re very athletic with guys like Jack Hannah and Rob Hellyer who are two of the fastest, athletic guys in the league who are always moving,” Suboch said.  

The Warriors have had some tough tests over the last three games facing the first place Toronto Rock, second place Albany Firewolves and sixth-ranked Buffalo Bandits, picking up a win against the defending NLL Cup champs.  

Through those three games, Aden Walsh has been between the pipes and Suboch says their young goaltender has been calm and focused through those contests. The team will need him to be dialed in against a Vegas offence that’s averaging 10 goals per game. 

“He’s a stud. He prepares really well, and I think he’s coming into his own,” Suboch said, adding, “He bails me out on a lot of shots and I’m very thankful that he’s my goalie.” 

Having lived in Vegas, Suboch knows a thing or two about a good party and a St. Paddy’s Day celebration is the perfect way for the fans to enjoy a Friday night and welcome his old team to town. 

“I’m sure the fans will have a few drinks, some fun, and the place will be rockin’.”