Wallaceburg’s Tanner Cole was selected 7th overall by the Barrie Lakeshores in the Ontario Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse League Draft on Sunday.
Cole, 16, told the Sydenham Current he gathered with family and friends to watch the LIVE Twitter feed of the draft.
“I was kind of nervous but knew that there’s nothing I could do now, so I couldn’t worry too much,” Cole said.
He had a good feeling he was going to Barrie, as they contacted him a couple of weeks ago and again on Friday.
“The talks went very well so I just had to play the waiting game until draft day,” he said.
Once he saw he’d been selected, Cole said he was all smiles.
@LakeshoresLax draft Tanner Cole from @WallaceburgLax with the 7th overall pick. #OJALL
— OLA Jr. A Lacrosse (@OJALL_Official) 14 January 2018
“I was thrilled,” the Wallaceburg District Secondary School student said.
“I’m excited to be able to play at the next level and represent my home town.”
Cole said he will be in contact with the general manager for Barrie in the next couple days to figure out his next steps with the organization.
In the meantime, Cole will be keeping busy.
He is currently playing hockey with the Wallaceburg Lakers midget squad and with the high school hockey team.
He’s also playing basketball on the Wallaceburg Tartans senior boys team, doing some off-season training with the Wallaceburg Red Devils Junior ‘B’ Lacrosse Team, and working part-time at Shopper’s Drug Mart in Wallaceburg.
“I would like to give a shout out to all my coaches through the years,” Cole said.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.”
Cole’s coaches with the Red Devils are excited for the Wallaceburg Minor Lacrosse Association product.
“Awesome for Tanner to be recognized in the draft,” Justin Durston told the Sydenham Current.
“He works hard and is a true leader on every sports team he plays for. He’s a great kid that’s always willing to learn and very coachable. Barrie is getting a player that can contribute at both ends of the floor, and I know he will be an impact player throughout his junior career.”
Jamie Knight said he thinks it’s great to see all of Cole’s hard work pay off.
“I look forward to seeing where lacrosse takes him,” Knight said.
“He’s a great player but an even better kid who is always eager to give back to his community. The young kids look up to him in our organization and I wish nothing but the best for him.”
Cole spent the 2017 lacrosse season with the Wallaceburg Midget squad and he also played eight games with the Red Devils, recording 25 points in the regular season and 3 points in four playoff games.
Cole has represented Team Ontario in the past, including trips to the Canadian National Championships.
Barrie finished last in the OLA Junior ‘A’ league last season with a 3-16-1 record.
