First-hand knowledge of the players was one reason why Neil Dinsdale was selected to coach the Coquitlam junior A Adanacs in 2012.

Another one was a lengthy resume.

The junior Adanacs new management needed someone to replace head coach Curt Malawsky, who had guided the program to its first Minto Cup championship title in 2010 and a 5431 record over two seasons.

A tough act to follow? No doubt. But Dinsdale is eager to put his shoulder to the wheel and help the team retain its position at the top of the B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League.

"This isn't a rebuild - I think this team should be one of the top two teams in the province with the core we have," said Dinsdale, who has been coaching at various levels for nearly 14 years. "Quite a number of our players have been to three straight Minto Cup championships, so there's a lot of experience in that dressing room."

Malawsky stepped down as head coach to spend more time with his family.

Dinsdale will spend different time with his family - with son Matthew one of the key veterans expected to carry a big load. The 20-year-old runner was second in league scoring last year, with 34 goals and 74 assists over 21 games - six points back of teammate Wesley Berg. The junior Dinsdale, who attends Simon Fraser University, will be counted on early to set a tone, his father said.

"He's had three years of junior under his belt and been coached by two very good coaches in Curt and Dan Perreault (Coquitlam's coach from 2007-2009)," noted the coach. "Matthew is quite well established and people know how good a player he is, so me being the coach won't be an issue. I'll expect more of him than anyone."

Although the club has lost 11 players from last year's lineup due to graduation, those returning provide an ample foundation to keep in the Minto Cup hunt, Dinsdale said.

"I'm excited about it - excited because I know how great these kids are and how hard they work. They set high expectations for themselves, they've benefited from playing under some great coaches and with some great players."

Last year, Dinsdale took Coquitlam's top peewee A team to its second straight provincial title, and in 2010 he coached B.C.'s under-19 field lacrosse squad. In over 14 years behind the bench, the local realtor has piloted a number of teams to B.C. titles.

Having coached many of the current Adanacs since they were eight years old, the new coach said familiarity will help lessen any transition.

"They loved playing for Curt and it was tough for him not to come back," said the senior Dinsdale. "I'm definitely not here to try and re-invent the wheel. We know what's been working, so my main goal is to not upset the apple cart."

The list of veterans whom will help carry the mantle include Robert Church, Jeff Cornwall, Tyler Garrison, Trent Hawke, Nathan Klein, Ben McIntosh, Kevin Neufeld and Kevin Schoemaker.

Travis Cornwall, Jackson Decker, Tor Reinholdt and Casey Jackson are among the graduated players expected to be drafted early at the Western Lacrosse Association junior draft on Monday.

While Dinsdale has his assistants lined up, an official announcement on the full coaching staff will come later.