1st Star—Jason Jones, Burnaby Lakers
Jones is off to a great start to the season, as I alluded to in yesterday’s WLA Power Rankings. Jones, who’s spent time with Coquitlam as well, is still a young lefty who makes an impact when he’s on the floor for the Lakeshow. He missed Tuesday’s low-scoring 5-4 overtime win over the Maple Ridge Burrards, a reason why he’s so important to Burnaby’s prospects in their near future.
Along with Dane Stevens, they are proving to be great facilitators of the ball. The pair had 13 combined assists the next night in Langley while new-signing Jamie Lincoln had three goals and seven more from Scott Jones, Robert Church and Steven Neufeld.
2nd Star—Jordan McBride, New Westminster Salmonbellies
McBride had a great week for the Salmonbellies, getting things started on the offensive end in New West’s 7-6 win over Maple Ridge and scoring a hat-trick in the process.
The physical righty had a pair of power play goals and was named the first star in that win before following that up with two goals and an assists against Langley. He and Logan Schuss bring size to a lineup that allows guys like Cory Takahara, Richard Lachlan and Jimmy McBridge room to operate within the O.
3rd Star—Ryan Johnson, Coquitlam Adanacs
Not a lot of people were giving the Adanacs much of a chance to start the season, me included. After an 0-2 start to the season and the news Wes Berg was signing with the Oakville Rock, those were compounded. However, the addition of Dan Lewis and the subsequent quality goaltending he’s been giving the Adanacs and a true team-first mentality has put Coquitlam firmly back into people’s minds. On the offensive end, Johnson’s growth as a centrepiece of the A’s offense has been a big lift for the team.
Johnson’s week before Saturday night’s win over New West included an even four goals and four assists. Along with other unsung players like Vinny Ricci, Brian Gillis, Carson Barton and so on, the Adanacs have a free-flowing offense with no egos or attitudes. And that goes a long way for a team that no one gives a chance.
