By Steve Erickson | WBN News | May 18, 2026

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The Delta Islanders continue to build momentum heading into the 2026 season, icing a roster that combines returning veterans with promising young talent. A handful of players from the organization’s Junior B program have also dressed with the Jr. A squad early on — a clear sign the development system within the organization is working.

Before a recent game, several local lacrosse supporters asked questions about the history of the franchise, how the organization first came together, and what helped shape the Islanders into one of British Columbia’s respected junior lacrosse programs.

With that in mind, here is a look back at the origins and evolution of the Delta Islanders Jr. A program.

The Delta Islanders were officially awarded a BCJALL expansion franchise in 2001, with their inaugural season beginning in 2002. The organization was built by a committed group of local volunteers who believed Delta could support elite-level junior lacrosse while creating a pathway for local athletes to advance to higher levels of the sport.

In their very first season, the Islanders posted a respectable 12–12 record, finishing fourth in league standings and immediately showing they could compete at the province’s highest junior level.

From the beginning, the vision was straightforward: develop elite players between the ages of 17 and 21 while helping athletes move on to opportunities in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA), and beyond.

Over the years, the Islanders evolved into one of British Columbia’s stronger development organizations. The franchise expanded into a multi-tier system that included Junior A and Junior B development teams, helping create continuity throughout the program.

The organization also became known for attracting strong coaching staff and talented players from across British Columbia. Several standout players moved through the Islanders system, including Logan Schuss and Eli McLaughlin, both of whom went on to successful professional lacrosse careers.

A defining moment in franchise history came in 2016 when the Islanders captured their first BCJALL Championship and advanced to the prestigious Minto Cup — Canada’s national Junior A lacrosse championship tournament.

That championship run firmly established Delta as a legitimate contender on the provincial and national stage.

Like many junior sports programs, the Islanders have experienced rebuilding periods over the years. In recent seasons, however, the organization has focused heavily on strengthening defensive depth, developing younger players, and building toward long-term playoff contention.

Even during more challenging seasons, the emphasis has remained on player development, accountability, and culture — key ingredients that continue to produce high-level athletes.

One of the major storylines heading into 2026 is the leadership of Logan Schuss, a former Islanders player and National Lacrosse League standout who now serves as Head Coach and General Manager.

Schuss represents a full-circle success story for the organization. His experience as a former Islander, professional player, and coach provides the program with valuable leadership and a deep understanding of Delta’s lacrosse system.

Under his guidance, the Islanders are placing a strong emphasis on:

• Structured player development from minor lacrosse through junior levels
• Accountability and professionalism
• Preparing players for the next stage of their lacrosse careers
• Strengthening connections with Delta’s local lacrosse community

The 2026 roster features a blend of experienced returning players and younger prospects expected to play larger roles this season. Returning veterans are expected to provide leadership, stability, and consistency while helping maintain the culture the organization wants to build moving forward.

The Islanders also made nine selections in the 2026 Jr. A Entry Draft, focusing heavily on defensive depth and long-term roster sustainability. The draft strategy reflected a clear effort to become bigger, tougher, and more structured defensively while building chemistry through regional recruiting pipelines.

One of the biggest strengths of the Islanders organization continues to be its relationship with Delta’s minor lacrosse community. The Jr. A club serves as the top level of the local lacrosse pathway, giving younger athletes visible role models and a direct route toward elite competition.

Schuss and the coaching staff remain actively involved in player development at the grassroots level, helping ensure the future of the program remains strong.

Looking ahead, the Islanders’ goals remain clear:

• Return to BCJALL championship contention
• Develop more players for the NLL and WLA
• Continue growing lacrosse participation in Delta
• Strengthen the organization’s identity as a development-first program

With an experienced coach in Logan Schuss, a strong draft class, and an increasingly competitive core of returning players, the 2026 season represents another important chapter in the evolution of the Delta Islanders Jr. A program.

The Islanders remain an important part of Delta’s sports culture and continue inspiring the next generation of lacrosse players throughout the community.

As the 2026 season gets underway, one thing is becoming increasingly clear — the Delta Islanders appear to be a program on the rise once again.

Fans looking to catch the action can attend Islanders home games at the Ladner Leisure Centre.

Steve Erickson - Author and Live Feed Broadcaster - Delta City News
Broadcaster Delta TV/Eastlink TV - Play by Play/Host/MC for Sportswave
Play by Play for Delta Ice Hawks, Sportswave TV on YouTube.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-erickson-61a50719/
Website: https://sportswave.ca

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Tags: #Delta City News #Robert Skinner Publisher #Delta Sports #Delta Islanders #Ladner BC #Junior Lacrosse #Community Sports #BC Lacrosse