Rick Stiebel
News Gazette staff
The Victoria Shamrocks have added a key component from their most recent Mann Cup championship squad. The team announced the signing of Steve Priolo through an inter-provincial transfer from the Brooklin Redmen of Ontario’s Major Series Lacrosse league.
Priolo followed up his Mann Cup win with the Shamrocks in 2015 by earning a gold medal with Team Canada at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in 2016, and has been a finalist for Defender of the Year for the past four seasons in the National Lacrosse League.
At 6 ft. 5 in. and weighing 235 pounds, the St. Catherine’s Ontario native adds imposing size to the Shamrocks’ lineup for their season opener against the Langley Thunder on May 19 at The Q Centre in Colwood.
Priolo said he’s excited to be back with the team. “This city, this team and fans always treat you like a part of the family,” Priolo said in a media release.
“Playing for the Shamrocks is second to none.”
Priolo is a proven difference maker that opposing teams hate to have to face, said Shamrocks general manager Chris Welch. “He is a rare combination of size, skill and toughness, plus he can be flat-out mean,” He added. “Yet off the floor you couldn’t find a nicer more easy going guy with tremendous character. We couldn’t ask for a better leader in our quest to get back to the top.”
For ticket and schedule information, check out victoriashamrocks.com, phone 250-478-ROCK (7625) or visit the team’ store at 967 Langford Parkway.