VANCOUVER, B.C. – Sam Clare, a 2015 graduate of Simon Fraser, has made the final roster for the Vancouver Warriors of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

Clare, who excelled as a midfielder with the Clan, has been converted to defense in the NLL.

“Sam has a big upside, good speed and great lacrosse IQ,” said Warriors general manager Dan Richardson to Mark Booth of the Delta Optimist. "He runs the floor well and takes advantage of opportunities presented to him.”

A clutch scorer out of Ladner, B.C., Clare played 69 games at Simon Fraser, scoring 159 goals and dishing out 39 assists (198 points).

Clare was a four-time All-American for the Clan, earning third team honors as a freshman, followed by second team as a sophomore and then first team accolades after both his junior and senior seasons.

For his efforts in the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League (PNCLL), he was a four-time first team all-conference pick and was the league’s Offensive Player of the Year in his final two seasons.

In 2014, Clare led Simon Fraser to a PNCLL title, qualifying for the MCLA National Championships sponsored by New Balance. The Clan lost to Colorado State in the first round, 5-3, with Clare contributing a goal and an assist.

“I had the privilege of coaching Sam in both high school and university, and what really stood out was his ability to continue to raise his game to the next level, whether it was year-after-year as a four-time All-American, or now on his journey from college, to competing at a World Championship for England, and now as a professional in the NLL,” said former Simon Fraser coach Brent Hoskins.

“What makes Sam so special as a player is his desire to compete and how dynamic he can be in all areas of the game," added Hoskins. "He was one of the highest scoring midfielders in the MCLA during his time at SFU, while also taking the majority of our face-offs. On the Warriors roster, he is currently listed as a defender, so along with his ability to jump start the play in transition, he’s really able to excel in any role.”

The Warriors opened the season on November 29 with a 12-7 loss against Calgary. They will next be in action on Dec. 14 when Vancouver hosts the New York Riptide.