Roe, Chapman, Smith headline list of returnees on D

The Timbermen have spent the last five years building a strong core.

A big chunk of that core has grown together into a playoff contender.

Nanaimo welcomes back Jake Emms, Tyson Roe, Gord Phillips, Brandan Smith, Conrad Chapman, and Jerrett Smith.

In the 2014 WLA draft Nanaimo added Roe, Smith, and Chapman with the 12th, 13th, and 14th picks overall.

That's the heart of the Tmen defense and those three players make life miserable for opposing attackers.

Jake Emms was drafted by Victoria in 2013 and came to the Timbermen in a trade for Scott Ranger.

Originally Emms was a part of the Nanaimo offense, but he's proven to be a stalwart defender and a tremendous asset to coach Kaleb Toth because of his versatility.

Jerrett Smith has been with the Tmen since 2017 after finishing his Junior A career in Ontario, his speed makes him a major part of the team's transition game.

2018 second round pick Gord Phillips is back for his second season looking to build on a solid rookie campaign.

The Timbermen have also signed two rookie defenders from the 2019 draft class.

Victoria Junior grad David Byrne and one time Nanaimo Junior Liam Young round out the list of players signed ahead of the season opener Friday in Victoria.

 The Timbermen home opener is Sunday May 26 versus the New Westminster Salmonbellies.