Everything is going right for 18-year old forward Dustin Manz.
He, like the rest of the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings are enjoying a 3-0-1 start to the season who find themselves on top of the Mainland Division with seven points.
That is the same amount of points the rookie forward has to begin the season playing on a line with Patrick Cozzi and Ben Brar.
“It’s really been a team effort as both of my linemates have helped me out a lot and it has been a really fun start so far,” added Manz.
“Our line has all types of game styles. Cozzi is a really fast, skilled type who works hard down in the corners. I bring more of a physical and power forward kind of a game and Brar is really good around the net with a great scoring touch.”
It has been quite the journey for Manz who grew up in Vanderbilt, Michigan and played hockey with the Compuware Bantam program as well as three seasons with the U-16 and U-18 Little Caesars midget program.
From there, he got his first taste of junior hockey last season in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with the Philadelphia-based Aston Rebels where he collected 16 points in 56 games.
As for how Manz came across to the BCHL, he says it all came down to connections.
“I talked to Mags (Adam Maglio) and my commit Lake Superior State helped me a little bit too with it. I love it here and it has been a blast so far.”
Manz has committed to Lake Superior for the 2019-20 season.
He and the Spruce Kings embark on the annual BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack on Friday and Saturday when they play the Merritt Centennials and the Victoria Grizzlies.
– with files from Brendan Pawliw, My Prince George Now
