Photo by David Zuskind
1st Star – Daryl Veltman, Victoria Shamrocks
Veltman has been one of the more consistent players in the WLA this summer and had a great week in Victoria’s three wins where they scored a combined 46 goals.
He scored 14 points (7-7) and now has 36 points in nine games, good for a four-point per game average amongst the highest in the league. He’s found a good fit in the offence and his capability to move or shoot the ball and play up top on special teams are vital to Victoria’s success on O.
Veltman could very well be the addition that helps put Victoria over the top come September.
2nd Star – Jesse King, Victoria Shamrocks
You could put about six Shamrocks up here, including Rhys Duch who amazingly hasn’t made the list yet this season, but King deservedly gets another mention. King scored nine goals, and added another eight assists this week and is now tied for the league lead in goals with Patrick Saunders with 21 goals.
King should start to get serious buzz for a top-five pick in the upcoming NLL draft. His resume, including Mann Cup and Division 1 experience should be enticing to any time looking to add a potential franchise-type player.
3rd Star – Dan Taylor, Maple Ridge Burrards
Dan Taylor has just gone about his business after signing with the Burrards this season and may be an unknown commodity to the WLA game, but shouldn’t be for long if he continues to score the way he has.
Taylor is coming off a monster year for the Lehigh Mountain Hawks in the NCAA, leading the Patriot League with 77 points (41 goals, 36 assists). He was also drafted in the fifth round of the MLL Draft, 38th overall to the Denver Outlaws; he has size and athleticism and has box experience playing in Calgary. He’s a perfect fit for the Burrard offence, working with Connor Goodwin on the left side.
He scored two goals and three assists as well as capped a three-goal shorthanded run for Maple Ridge in their win against Nanaimo.
