Bold is back in Shamrocks’ fold
Aaron Bold, one of the top goaltenders in the lacrosse world, is returning to the Victoria Shamrocks for the 2017 Western Lacrosse Association season.
Bold, a Victoria native, led the Shamrocks to a Mann Cup title in front of the hometown fans at The Q Centre in 2015.
The national Senior A championship is back in the west this year and Bold adds plenty of experience in between the pipes.
“He was an integral part of two years ago. It’s almost like having a Carey Price in there, where you know you have one of the best in the business, but it doesn’t guarantee you anything,” said Shamrocks head coach Bob Heyes, referring to Montreal Canadiens’ star goaltender. “You know you’ve taken care of a position that requires strength, but the team just can’t rely on that one person to carry the load.
“He’s the guy who we can count on for his experience. He’s a professional. He’s a student of the game and he keeps himself in great playing shape and he takes care of his body. He’s a low maintenance guy that I don’t have to worry about. He’s going to come to the rink prepared and ready.”
Like 2015, Bold will be here part-time through the season as he also tends to his business in Edmonton, where he still resides.
The 31-year-old needs to suit up in four regular-season games to qualify for the playoffs. The Shamrocks would like to have him for at least six.
“It’s a true honour to be part of the Victoria Shamrocks organization once again,” Bold said in a statement. “I’m excited to play in front of my home crowd and to play alongside great players and coaching staff. I’m looking forward to continuing the winning culture that comes hand in hand with the Shamrocks.”
In 2015, Bold also won a National Lacrosse League championship and a gold medal with Team Canada at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship to go along with the Mann Cup title.
Bold is currently taking yet another run at an NLL championship with the Saskatchewan Rush.
With his current status, the Shamrocks will incorporate a three-goalie system — as they did in 2015 — this time with Bold likely partnering with returning veterans Cody Hagedorn and Adam Shute. Cody Cook is also in training camp right now.
“Having Aaron in net gives everyone that extra bit of confidence and you can’t underestimate how important that is when the pressure is on,” said Shamrocks general manager Chris Welch.
“You’ve probably heard it said that you build from the net out and defence wins championships. I think both of those things are true and with Aaron in the mix, the last line of our defence is very strong.”
And the addition might leave Shamrocks wondering if this latest signing might attract even more talent here, like Ryan Dilks, who was also an instrumental part of the 2015 campaign and a also a member of the Rush with Bold.
CLOVER POINTS: The Shamrocks continue to train Mondays and Wednesdays in preparation for their home opener May 19. The Vancouver Stealth were eliminated from the NLL playoffs on the weekend, which means Corey Small, Rhys Duch, Jon Harnett and Evan Messenger will be available sooner, although Messenger turned an ankle and will be off for two weeks, said Heyes.