2023 Coaches Announced

The Lakers Jr A Executive are pleased to announce the 2023 Coaching staff.

Ty Yanko returns this year as Head Coach. Ty played for the Junior A Lakers and enjoyed a strong final season, finishing the year as one of the league’s top scorers and was eventually selected 6th overall by the Senior A Lakers in the WLA draft. 

He now focusses on mentoring young players and giving back to Burnaby lacrosse as he looks to assist the lacrosse community that has given him so much. 

Ty is the Head of Lacrosse Development for Burnaby Field Lacrosse as he works with players aged 9-13 through running practice sessions and providing technical training. Ty is also a Team BC Field Lacrosse Head Coach and has enjoyed working with great players and individuals all over the province. 

Most recently, Ty was the Head Coach of the Burnaby Junior B1 team who enjoyed its best season last summer. He is extremely excited to be the Head Coach of the Junior A team and sees tremendous success for the program moving forward. 

Gord Gimple returns as an Assistant Coach.

There are three new Assistant Coaches.

Brandon Balewicz. Brandon played Junior A lacrosse in Burnaby and enjoyed a successful career, eventually becoming the 3rd overall pick in the West Lacrosse Association Draft. 

He has been heavily involved in developing players in Vancouver’s Minor Lacrosse system, and he most recently assisted with the Burnaby Junior B1 team who enjoyed its best season in recent memory. Brandon has been a staple in Burnaby Junior Lacrosse and is looking forward to making an impact as a member of the Junior A staff

Jeff Dutkewich. Jeff is a former Junior A lacrosse player in Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam, and he has played various levels of Senior lacrosse, leading the 2001 Founders Cup in scoring. 

He has been a prominent mentor in Ridge Meadows, coaching there from 2016-2022. Jeff had a successful career as a player, but feels as though his understanding of the game translates well to his newly found passion of coaching. 

He most recently coached the Ridge Meadows Burrards 16U A1 team, and is extremely excited to play a role with the Burnaby Junior Lacrosse program. 

Ryan Heard. Ryan is a former Junior A player, drafted to Langley Thunder Senior A this year. He has been a Burnaby Laker since his Mini-Tyke days.

Ryan played in the Arena Lacrossse League and was an inaugural season champion.

He's coached some of our current Jr A players back in their PeeWee, Bantam, and Midget seasons.