The Victoria Shamrocks recorded a loss on the floor this week but a win off it with the return of veteran defensive standout Steve Priolo.
You just know this one felt sweet for the Nanaimo Timbermen (6-5) as they defeated the Shamrocks (6-2) by a 13-11 count Thursday night in the Island derby of the Western Lacrosse Association.
Colton Lidstone and Taggart Clark had four goals and two assists each for the Timbermen on six-point nights at Frank Crane Arena in the Harbour City. Marshal King led Victoria with four goals while older brother and Ohio State Buckeyes NCAA Big Ten graduate Jesse King had a goal and five points to extend his league-leading total to 57 points. Larson Sundown had two goals.
The six-foot-five and 235 pound Priolo, meanwhile, will shore up the Shamrocks defence with his deceptive fluidity, quickness and agility for a big man. He joins the Shamrocks after leading the Buffalo Bandits to the 2022 pro National Lacrosse League final against the champion Colorado Mammoth. The 33-year-old, in his fifth season with the Shamrocks, is expected in the lineup next Friday night at The Q Centre against the last-place Maple Ridge Burrards (1-6). He has been part of two Mann Cup finalist Victoria teams, including the 2015 championship squad.
Shamrocks GM Chris Welch described him in a statement as “an all-world player and a huge part of our identity.”
Priolo is known as a free spirit and has hooked in well with the laid-back Island vibe.
“Victoria has always felt like home. Not only the lacrosse but the lifestyle as well. After two years away [due to the 2020 and 2021 WLA seasons cancelled due to the pandemic], I am jumping at the opportunity to get back to the Island,” said Priolo, in a statement.
Priolo has represented Canada in the world championships. The former University of Windsor Lancers basketball player turned into a lacrosse defensive specialist of the first order. He was a star in basketball at Holy Cross Secondary and also in Junior ‘A’ lacrosse for the St. Catharines Athletics. After his freshman season in U Sports hoops at Windsor, Priolo was selected 21st overall by Buffalo in the 2009 NLL draft, and made the choice of lacrosse over basketball, and he has been a Bandits mainstay since.
Meanwhile, the Timbermen are in Burnaby next Friday to meet the Lakers (3-7).
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
