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Media Release April 20, 2006, BC Lions Lions net six in Canadian Draft
The BC Lions enjoyed a bountiful harvest of Canadian talent during today’s CFL Canadian College Draft. After selecting Jay Pottinger of McMaster University with their first selection (second overall), the Lions followed up with defensive lineman Ricky Foley (fourth overall) from York University, and completed their first-round feeding frenzy with offensive lineman Dean Valli from Simon Fraser University (sixth overall). In the draft’s second round, the Lions acquired offensive lineman John Hameister-Ries (15th overall) out of Tulsa. After sitting out both the third and fourth rounds of the draft due to trades last season, the Lions selected slot back Mike Lindstrom from UBC (fifth round, 40th overall) and completed their tally with defensive lineman Jason Ward (sixth, 48th overall) out of the University of Connecticut. "Overall,this was a very deep draft and we’re very happy with the selections we were able to make," said GM and head coach Wally Buono. "Our success today is due in large part to the work of coach Mike Benevides and assistant director of player personnel Neil McEvoy." Ricky Foley was named a first team OUA All-Star in 2005 after finishing seventh in the conference with 49 tackles. He also saw playing time at the linebacker, running back, tight end and place-icking positions. In 2004, Foley led the nation in sacks with nine and was named a first team OUA All-Star and a second team CIS All-Canadian. The six-foot-two, 255-pound product of Courtice, Ontario, is a former decathlete who didn’t take up the game of football until he arrived on the York campus four years ago. The 24-year old history major has learned quickly, developing into one of the most effective pass rushers in the country. Dean Valli, a six-foot-five, 300-pound North Vancouver native, was selected as a first team Canada West All-star in 2005 and also selected by Canadian Inter-University Sport to participate in the third annual East West Bowl last May. Valli helped provide the pass protection that allowed quarterback J.R. Davies to become the Clan's all-time leading passer. Jon Hameister-Reis measures in at six-foot-six and 288 pounds, and hails from Edmonton, Alberta. The one-time tight end was converted to guard at Tulsa and continues a rather remarkable career, having only started playing football as a senior in high school. He started all 13 games for Tulsa in 2005 and has a year of eligibility left. Mike Lindstrom was named a second-team All-Canadian by the CIS after racking up 523 yards on 28 catches in five games last year. The six-foot-two, 210-pound slotback from Abbottsford, B.C., closed out the 2005 campaign with four consecutive 100-yard receiving games. A native of St. Hippolyte, Quebec, Jason Ward currently attends the University of Connecticut and looks to start for his third consecutive season. To date, the six-foot-three, 253-pound defensive end has appeared in 25 games, recording 36 tackles and three sacks.
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