THREE WARRIORS PLAYERS NAMED TO ALL-NLL TEAMS

Vancouver, BC – The National Lacrosse League (NLL) announced today that the defencemen Owen Grant and Brayden Laity have been named to the 2023.24 NLL All-Rookie Team. Grant and Laity are the first Warriors rookies since Reid Bowering to be named to the All-Rookie Team in 2022. This is the first time in franchise history that a pair of Warriors have made the NLL All-Rookie Team. 

The NLL also announced that Ryan Dilks has been named to the All-NLL First Team. This comes after Dilks was named the 2023.24 Defensive Player of the Year on May 16th.  

Owen Grant 

In his debut NLL season, the Newmarket, ON native was a critical piece of the much-improved Warriors defence. A first-round selection in 2022, Grant lead the NLL in shorthanded goals with four, as well as placing t-2nd amongst NLL defencemen with eight goals. His 14 points were good enough for 10th among rookies and sixth among all NLL defencemen. Grant was also a force defensively, recording 25 forced turnovers to lead all rookies, as well as 10 blocked shots and 24 shots on goal.  

“He respects the game and isn’t intimidated by anybody,” said Curt Malawsky, Head Coach and General Manager. “He welcomed the opportunity to match up against the top guys around the league. He’s got an engine, and he’s a guy that never quits. He’s got that will to win, and it’s something that really drives him. This is a well-earned honour.” 

Brayden Laity 

After being selected ninth overall in the 2023 NLL Entry Draft, Laity was able to seamlessly transition into the NLL, with his role growing throughout the season. Laity finished third on the Warriors with 101 loose balls, to go along with six points (1-5-6), 15 caused turnovers, and a team-high 16 blocked shots.  

“He runs the floor well, he’s strong, and he’s fearless,” said Malawsky. “He’s always wanting to get better. His learning curve and transition to the NLL was small, and he’s only 20 years old. He’s got the strength, the drive, and the compete level that puts him in a position to be successful for years to come.” 

Ryan Dilks 

Dilks, having already been named the Defensive Player of the Year, was also named to the All-NLL First Team on Friday. His play on the floor, combined with the leadership he brought to the dressing room, helped propel the Warriors to the brink of clinching a playoff spot.  

“His game and craft are next level,” Malawsky said. “How he plays the game, how he competes, how he exemplifies that team-first attitude, he’s been such a great fit for everyone in the organization. How he competed all year at such a high level was great for the younger guys to see, to see the dedication and sacrifice to the team that it takes to play at a high level.”