BROOKFIELD, N.S. – Landan Ryan’s first trip west will be one to remember.
Landan will represent Nova Scotia at the Canadian bantam box lacrosse championship next week in Coquitlam, B.C., marking the first time the 14-year-old from Brookfield will travel outside of the Maritimes.
“I’m really excited,” said Landan. “I’ve heard a lot about going to nationals and where we all go and who we get to meet and all that.”
Landan, a strapping six-foot-four, 162 pounds, made the provincial team after a series of tryouts last spring in Dartmouth. A big body, he uses his speed and long reach to beat opponents and get into good shooting areas, according to Nova Scotia coach Shane MacMillan.
“What impressed the coaching staff during tryouts was his battle level and he did not back down from anyone,” MacMillan added.
“Landan has improved every practice over the season. He has a great outside shot and is not scared to cut through the defence. His best asset is his ability to make the smart play in close to the net.”
Landan, who will enter Grade 9 at South Colchester Academy in the fall, started playing lacrosse four years ago after attending a friend’s game in Truro.
“I went to watch a couple of his games and I just started doing it after that, and I fell in love with it,” said Landan, who led the Truro Bearcats to a Scotia Minor Lacrosse League bantam title this summer.
Landan considers himself more of a playmaker than a scorer, and also takes great pride in his defensive side of the game. He is willing to stick up for his teammates and looks to be a leader while representing his province at nationals.
“What I want to do is make it so that our team has a solid base to go off of, and be a leader and make sure nobody gets put down by anybody, and if we’re losing to keep our spirits up.”
Landan is one of three Colchester County players suiting up for Nova Scotia at nationals next week. Aidan Hennigar of Greenfield and Millbrook’s Tyson Stevens will play at the Canadian midget tournament, also in Coquitlam. The national championships will be played Aug. 20 to 24.
