3 STARS: Manns, Kozevnikov off to hot starts

Another BCJALL season is in full swing and we're already seeing some dominating performances from some of the league's best, and that list will only grow longer as teams welcome back players from school. This week's 3 Stars covers the last 10 days of action, but going forward we will be looking at games happening that week, starting on Mondays. 

1ST STAR - ZACH MANNS, VICTORIA SHAMROCKS

4 GAMES PLAYED - 6 GOALS, 20 ASSISTS, 26 POINTS

Manns has jumped out to an early lead in the scoring race thanks to some impressive assist totals. He's already surpassed his 2018 totals by scoring 30 points in 5 games, 22 of them coming as helpers. He doesn't discriminate either - while some players in his position may only be looking at two or three players within the O, Manns is spreading the wealth. He's had an assist on at least five goals scored by different Shamrock players. It not only shows Manns' talents as a passer, but it's also a pretty good indication that Victoria has a deep and balanced offence, which will be key if they want to make the playoffs.

He has done it against varying levels of competition, as well. He posted six points in a 12-9 loss to the Coquitlam Adanacs but also had a goal and seven apples in Sunday's 12-6 victory against the Delta Islanders. 

2ND STAR - NATHANIEL KOZEVNIKOV, LANGLEY THUNDER

2 GAMES PLAYED - 8 GOALS, 5 ASSISTS, 13 POINTS

Kozevnikov is another player who has been an impact player coming out of the front gate early in the season. Fresh off a playoff run with the New Westminster Salmonbellies, the vet looks poised to challenge for not only the goal scoring title, but the overall one as well. It's easy to see why: Kozevnikov is scoring goals in bunches. He's already had two games this season where he scored at least five goals and hasn't been held goalless this season. Burnaby was the closest team to attempt that, but even then, Kozevnikov added three helpers. 

Both he and Martel will make up the nucleus of Langley's O, and the Thunder are likely hoping that his goalscoring abilities will help them advance far enough to clinch a Minto berth this August. 

3RD STAR - CAMERON DUNKERLEY, VICTORIA SHAMROCKS 

2 GAMES PLAYED - 80 SHOTS, 14 GOALS ALLOWED, .825 SAVE PERCENTAGE, 1 ASSIST

Our first goalie on the list this season, Dunkerley picked up where he left off last season. Despite having a bit of a tough transition from Orangeville, Dunkerley settled down and was a big catalyst for Victoria's 2018 playoff push. He returned looking he hasn't skipped a beat. Despite allowing 12 goals against the Coquitlam Adanacs, Dunkerley has been stellar, ranking in the top five in Goals Against Average (4th, 8.01 GAA) and leading the league in wins (3). 

If Victoria gets back into the playoffs this season, both Dunkerley and Manns will be major reasons why. 

Photos by Gary Woodburn