Core Group of Archers Defense Grows Together on Team Canada

Impressively, Shoemay, who the Archers added to their roster after training camp and the first week of play, started all seven of Canada’s games with four ground balls and a pair of caused turnovers to his name. 

“Wyers showed himself to be very capable,” said Archers Head Coach Chris Bates. He also noted how “Patrick Shoemay is a very athletic right-handed guy that can play.”

Bates was encouraged by Shoemay’s and the rest of the young players’ performance in the World Championships. “Just playing in that setting with so much on the line, it was great to watch throughout,” he commented. “You want guys that are ready for primetime when the curtain goes up.” 

Considering that the Archers start three lefties at close with Hossack, Matt McMahon, and Warren Jeffrey along with LSM Jon Robbins being another lefty, Shoemay could at some point make a push for a spot on the 19-man roster as a right-handed pole who could more cleanly matchup with lefty dodgers. No matter what, he and Wyers both provide really solid depth at close considering their success with Team Canada and the experience they gained in the process. 

Brett Dobson and Challen Rogers flash as well

Two other pieces who are growing into their role with the Archers, goalie Brett Dobson and midfielder Challen Rogers, also had impressive showings in San Diego. Dobson played in five of Canada’s contests with one start and a 67.9% save rate on 28 shots faced and, while he didn’t eclipse Dillon Ward as the country’s starting keeper, he still put together a stellar performance against Australia (who finished fourth) in the group stage with 10 saves and only three goals allowed. 

Bates alluded to the fact that “Brett’s getting more and more of that experience,” and also brought up how Rogers “played a ton of D-Middie.” Rogers, who played mostly offense in his career debut with the Archers versus Chaos before the break, played a heavy dose of defense for Canada. That alone emphasized his versatility with the ability to play effectively on either side of the field and how that could very well come into play for the Archers down the line this season.