SEEN , SPORTS back into the playoffs. And if the young team manages to find early chemistry, they should be able to snag the final playoff spot, albeit in a battle with Burnaby. However, not everything is wonderful out in the Ridge. Vancouver Ravens leading scorer and all-star Chris Gill has requested a trade to a contender, but so far, the trade offers have been rather weak. Two of their other players have decided to retire, and Pratt and Bryan Poole will not be able to join the team until at least four games into the season, due to commitments with their U.S. universities. _~ Regardless of what happens this season, the future is finally looking brighter for the Maple Ridge Burrards. Burnaby Lakers Predicted finish: Fifth place, 7-13. Last year: Finished 9—11, fourth place, lost in semi-final to Victoria. As opposed to the future of the Maple Ridge squad, Burnaby’s plight appears to be the opposite. After a few years of relative success, the team has not made any improvements from last season’s squad, and in fact, has lost a few players. Management is probably relying too much on their third pick overall, Spencer Martin. However, the Lakers do still have experi- ence, and if the young Maple Ridge squad can’t pull it together this season, the Burnaby squad will squeak into the playoffs, only to get swept in the first round by either Coquitlam or Victoria. North Shore Thunder Predicted finish: Sixth place, 4-16. Last year: Finished 5—15, missed playoffs The Thunder franchise would rather forget about last season. They sacrificed the future by trading away several draft picks to acquire Derek Malawsky from New Westminster. And while Malawsky held up his end of the bar- gain, battling for the league title in scoring with Dowling of Victoria, the rest of the team faltered. In addition, the WLA’s experiment into the Okanagan failed, and the team has moved back to North Vancouver. Unfortunately, North Shore lacrosse fans won’t be happy with what they get to see. The Thunder has barely made any changes, aside from two draft picks in the first round this year (2002). Shawn Cable, drafted sec- ond overall, and Josh Joseph, chosen sixth, may help the Thunder in the long run, but probably not this season. The only thing Thunder fans can look forward to is the 2003 draft, where the team will most definitely get first pick overall—unless, of course, they trade it away again. OP JOB OPPORTUNITIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE Distribution Co-ordinator: Duties—Pick-up and deliver paper to designated stands in New West and Coquitlam. Maintain the stands by keeping them clean and stocked. Qualifications—Must have reliable vehicle, must have a dri- ver’s licence to operate said vehicle, and must understand what the word “punctuality” means. Promotions Co-ordinator: Duties—Expand the profile of the paper by spearheading promotional campaigns, both within Coquitlam and New West. Qualifications—Enthusiasm, imagination, gusto and be an unemployed telemarketer or have a degree in marketing Strategy. Coquitlam Correspondent: Duties—Liaise with New West co-ordinators regarding stories and events at the Coquitlam campus. Provide copy, ledes, and information for each issue. Qualifications—Must be a student at the Coquitlam campus, must be passionate about rectifying the fact that The OP rarely has any Coquitlam-based stories. Sports Editor: Duties—Attend and report on local, college and professional events. Provide the paper with copy and edit submission, for the sports section. Qualifications—Interest in Douglas College sports and capa- ble of doing dressing room interviews with eyes closed. All positions include a bi-weekly stipend. Drop off your resume or simply drop by the Other Press office for details.