Dan Richardson steps down as Vancouver GM, Assistant Ken Thomas also exits
Vancouver Warriors, Rogers Arena (Photo: Jaclyn McKee)
As first reported by The Vancouver Province’s Steve Ewen earlier today, Dan Richardson is stepping down from his role as the Vancouver Warriors GM. Assistant GM Ken Thomas has also left the organization.
This past November, Richardson sustained a mild heart attack. Although his recovery had been going well, the incident left him sidelined for a number of weeks.
The Warriors announcement did not indicate the specific reason for Richardson’s decision, outside of confirming it was for personal reasons. The team’s statement reads:
The Vancouver Warriors announced today that Dan Richardson is stepping down from his position as General Manager, Lacrosse Operations, effective immediately, for personal reasons. Assistant General Manager Ken Thomas is also leaving the organization.
The Warriors would like to thank Dan and Ken for all their contributions to the team the past several years. They each played an integral part in establishing the team in the city of Vancouver and bringing lacrosse back downtown. The organization wishes them the best moving forward.
The search for a new General Manager will start immediately.
The Warriors started this season 0-4, struggling both between the pipes and for offensive consistency. The team recently released veteran goaltender Steve Fryer after starting the stopper during their first three games. Last week Vancouver dropped a 16-11 decision to the West-leading San Diego Seals (4-0).
After the franchise went to the NLL Cup Finals three times during their four years playing in Everett, Washington, their success slowed significantly since bolting for British Columbia. Since 2014, the Vancouver Warriors/Stealth franchise has qualified for the playoffs just once. The past four full seasons have been under Canucks Sports & Entertainment ownership, who brought Richardson on soon after they purchased the team from Denise Watkins.
Reid Bowering, Vancouver Warriors (Photo: Jaclyn McKee)
Since taking over GM duties, Richardson has put an emphasis on maintaining draft picks, which previous management had dealt frequently for veteran players. In recent drafts, the Warriors have added the likes of Reid Bowering, Adam Charalambides and Owen Grant. In next year’s draft, the Warriors still hold all of their original picks through six rounds.
Below, see the significant stories that have highlighted the team’s last several months.