Connor Goodwin, Maple Ridge Burrards
The fifth overall selection in February’s WLA Draft, Goodwin has stepped in as an immediate contributor to the Burrards offence. He’s given Ridge another lefty who can operate without the ball, he has size and is a good playmaker for his age.
Goodwin’s play really started to take off when Dan Taylor was signed; the duo have taken attention away from the right handers like Mike Mallory and Ben McIntosh. That holds a lot of value for Maple Ridge, who built their team with balance on both offence and defence. They have upgraded in several spots and are in good position to give Victoria a run for their money should they get back to that point.
Luke Gillespie, New Westminster Salmonbellies
Gillespie is another player who has been able to make an impact on his team in his rookie season, teaming up with Logan Schuss to give New West a new look left side on offence.
His best work comes down on the crease, but he can also use his size to drive to the cage. He also has the versatility to play down low as well as at shooter and is in a perfect spot to take advantage of his skillset. He was one of the most well-rounded players in the draft and his prior experience with coach Steve Goodwin likely helped New West make one of the best picks in the draft.
Eli McLaughlin, Nanaimo Timbermen
It must be quite a step up, and one not a lot of players get to experience, to go from junior to playing in the NLL alongside legendary John Grant Jr., but it’s one McLaughlin looks like he’s soaked up.
Playing on a lowly Nanaimo team, McLaughlin is making the best out of a rough situation, a solid bet that he can step up and take the lead of a young team. Despite playing in only nine games thus far, Eli has 14 goals and 14 assists, which is one of the best point per game averages amongst WLA rookies. Once he plays a bit more in the WLA and learns the tendencies of defenders, his speed and shot will make for a deadly combination and a potential 50-goal season.
Dan Taylor, Maple Ridge Burrards
Potentially the best transaction in the WLA this season—as well as the most underrated one—Taylor has had a monster year in combination with Goodwin and the Burrards offence. Taylor didn’t go the traditional draft route but after an excellent senior season with Lehigh in the NCAA, he has come in to be one of the most impactful players across the entire league.
Of players that have played 10 or more games, Taylor leads the WLA in points per game average with 4.36 PPGA (Dinsdale and Dawson are first and second, but have played four and five games, respectively). Although he isn’t much of a goal scorer with 13 goals, he’s third in the league in assists with 35, trailing Cory Conway and Corey Small. He’s been a big reason why the Burrards haven’t skipped a beat without “Superman” Curtis Dickson.
Anthony Malcom, Langley Thunder
The Thunder have arguably the most explosive offence in the league, and that’s in large part to the way Malcom has fit into the system right away. He consistently contributes in the point department and has added a different dynamic. Alongside everyday NLL players like Pat Saunders and Alex Turner, Malcom is getting some valuable experience in the senior circuit before hitting the NLL draft.
Malcom is putting up great numbers, scoring 37 points behind 22 goals—just over two and a half points per game. As one of the five or so players depended on to put the ball in the net, he’s been as dependable as they come.
Eric Penney, New Westminster Salmonbellies
One half of arguably the best goaltending duo in the league, Eric Penney has been great at times in the summer season. He’s helped the ‘Bellies to a mini resurgence back to the top of the WLA standings with strong and consistent performances.
In 406:09 minutes, Penney has a steady 8.86 goals against average on 320 shots and sits fourth amongst eligible goaltenders in save percentage at .812. He plays in a system that stresses a strong, aggressive defence which may help inflate their numbers a bit. But it’s hard not to see the talent he possesses. After a strong summer season, he may have accrued enough experience to hold steady in the Stealth net come time for the NLL season.
Honourable Mentions: Rocky Bowman, Langley Thunder; Cory Takahara, New Westminster Salmonbellies; Brendon Anger, Coquitlam Adanacs; Chris Wardle, Victoria Shamrocks; Jacob Doucet, Langley Thunder
