With seven All-Star selections in ten seasons, it’s fair to say that Will Manny has had no issues with consistency throughout his professional career.
In fact, one look at his career numbers tells you all that you need to know. Since bursting onto the scene in 2013, Manny has amassed 259 goals along with 403 points and is regarded as one of the game’s best attackmen. So what makes this year’s All-Star selection so notable?
Well, for starters, it could be the fact that Manny said this is the best he has ever felt as a pro. Not to mention that he also leads the league in points with 22, is tied for the league lead for goals with 14, and is tied for second in assists with 8. Some of his goals this season truly emphasize how much Manny is feeling it this year.
“I think everyone is as dialed in as I’ve ever seen on a team about what our mission is…”
– Will Manny, Archers Attackman
That mission? Winning a PLL Championship. Since the PLL formed, the Archers have made the playoffs each season, losing twice in the quarterfinals and once in the semifinals. This year, the Archers boast a powerful offense that leads the league in shot percentage (33%) along with assists (39) and is tied for the league lead for scores with 66. Defensively, they have Graeme Hossack (6 CTs, 16 GBs) leading the way for the poles with veteran goalie Adam Ghitelman (52% Save Percentage) standing tall between the pipes.
Manny also hinted that the Archers are better than their record reflects. In fourth place at 3-2, faceoffs have plagued the Archers in both losses, which also happened to be one-goal games. Manny said there are more positives to focus on than negatives while looking at the team’s progress through five games and the shared focus throughout the team bodes well for the team moving forward.
Since this season’s break differs from years past (the PLL opted to take a week off before the All-Star game instead of after), Manny said the Archers constant communication is keeping everyone on their toes during this lull in the season, thus shutting down any suggestion that the break might throw off the team’s mojo.
“We have two Zooms a week where we just talk offense, team defense, and then our group texts are firing off. Our guys are being accountable, whoever is here and whoever is not, and just taking care of themselves.”
– Will Manny, Archers Attackman
Looking ahead, the Archers play the Cannons, Atlas, Whipsnakes, Chaos, and Waterdogs in their last stretch of games before the postseason begins. While the Archers’ end goal is in no way unrealistic, Manny said they understand that nothing is guaranteed in this league because the talent is sky high.
“We’re going to take it just one game at a time, you got to keep your eyes forward on what the goals are for your team. Being able to take that next step is the only goal. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing. You got to be ready to play every single week. That’s just the mentality.”
– Will Manny, Archers Attackman
So, while Manny had his fun in the All-Star Game, his eyes are on the second half of the season.
