Salmonbellies net Crowley

The New Westminster senior Salmonbellies are pleased to announce the acquisition of WLA hold out, Kevin Crowley from the Burnaby Lakers in exchange for three-year veteran, Pete McFetridge. 

The deal, completed this morning, also included the exchange of New Westminster’s first-round pick (3rd overall) in this year’s draft and in 2012 for Burnaby’s third-round 2011 pick (20th overall) and second round pick in 2013.

Crowley, a lifelong Bellie, was drafted with the Burnaby Lakers’ first overall pick in the 2010 WLA draft, but chose not to play for the team last summer. 

Currently a student at Stony Brook University, he is putting up record stats in the NCAA, played for Team Canada in the World Field Championships and was chosen first overall by the Hamilton Nationals in Saturday’s Major League Lacrosse draft.

Crowley shone as a junior Salmonbellie, recording 190 points in regular season play, 86 points in playoffs and winning the John Urban Award as top graduating player in the BCLA, being named to the 1st all-star team and earning 3rd place in BCLA scoring all in 2009.

“He’s a big body presence and the coaches are very excited to get an athlete like Kevin to compliment an already strong right side," Salmonbellies’ president and general manager Dan Richardson said. "We paid a high price for someone we feel will be a very good long-term player for our club. Luckily, we have some extra picks in the second and third rounds of this year’s draft.”

McFetridge was drafted by the Salmonbellies in 2008 and spent the last three seasons as a heavy-hitting and exciting presence on the floor. Tallying 59 points and 64 penalty minutes in regular season games, and 28 points and 54 penalty minutes in WLA playoffs and three Mann Cup appearances, McFetridge has worked hard and provided muscle in his days in the Bellies’ red and blue uniform.

"We wanted Crowley and had been working on this deal for almost a year, ever since he was drafted," Richardson said. "This trade hinged on our willingness to give up Pete McFetridge. I, and the entire Bellies’ organization, thank him for his hard work over the years and wish him luck in Burnaby.”

- by New Westminster Salmonbellies