Brett Manney has made his 2021 Can-Am Showcase Manney's Men selections. These are players that stood out above the rest throughout the day. 

The Can-Am Showcase has been giving athletes from "non-traditional" lacrosse areas a chance to showcase their talents for the past ten years. The 2021 version was no different as it hosted 267 athletes from 13 states and Canada last week.

Coaches from Notre Dame, Denver, Utah and more were in attendance to catch the action.

Brett Manney, is a 14-year professional lacrosse player, captain of the Albany FireWolves, and two-time captain for the USA National Indoor team. Brett also serves as the VP of Recruiting at NXT. He won two bronze medals with the USA National Indoor Team. He played on Delaware's 2007 Final Four team, captained the 2008 team, made the North-South All-Star Game, and is the driving force behind Showcase Lacrosse's nationally-known events. Manney sees players from all over the country at NXT events.

ATTACK

Bryce Gordon | 2023
Rockford (MI), True Michigan

Throughout the day Gordon was the straw who stirred the drink for his team at the Showcase. He was the main initiator on offense. He initiated from behind, from above the cage, and basically wherever else he wanted to. What was impressive was that he always had his head up when dodging trying to draw slides and get other people involved. A lot of times people think they get noticed by being selfish but Gordon proved otherwise and his decision to be a team player allowed him to be the MVP of the day.

Honorable Mention

Brennen Hickey, 2024, Archbishop Moeller (OH), Headlines
Ryan Halperin, 2024, Saint Viator (IL), Second City
Leo Prosser, 2024, Carmel (IN), Juiced Cherries 
Gibson Heethuis, 2023, Hudsonville (MI), True MI

APPLY & NOMINATE TODAY: 2022 Boys Atlantic Showcase

MIDFIELD

Dylan Behnke | 2023 
Lakes Community (IL), The Lacrosse School

The midfielder from Illinois looks every bit of a D1 midfielder in the making. He has good size, is an automatic clear from the defensive side of the field, and loves to dodge downhill. With upside, I could easily see a D1 taking him and using him as a transition midfielder who gets up and down without a beat. His best asset is his play between the lines, scoring in transition, and making plays for others. In addition, he is more than capable to play 6v6 defense. From above and below the cage he was arguably the best short stick defender at the event. 

Honorable Mention

Ryder Mulvey, 2024, Grand Rapids Catholic Central (MI), True MI
AJ Serna, 2024, Wheaton Academy (IL), True IL
Jake Spencer, 2023, Birmingham Seaholm (MI), Great Lakes
Seven Gillingham, 2023, Kiski (PA), Edge (CAN)    
Connor Staheli, FO, 2024, Westerville South (OH), Haymakers

APPLY & NOMINATE TODAY: 2022 Boys Philly Summer Showcase

DEFENSE

Jack Brand | 2023
Wheaton Academy (IL), True IL

Do not let Brand’s size fool you. Despite what might be undersized for his position as an LSM, Brands is a great lacrosse player. He is versatile enough to play on the wings, cover bigger matchups, be a leader on the field with his voice, and play fearlessly. His demeanor on the field is calm even though he is wreaking havoc on opposing offensive players and pushing the ball down the field in transition. I like how hard he competed, and his field awareness was one step higher than a lot of his counterparts. The Illinois native certainly turned some heads this past weekend.  

Honorable Mention

Ryan Frech, 2023, Worthington Kilbourne (OH), Haymakers
Tyler Readinger, 2023, Huntley (IL), Team One Academy
Cole Yoshioka, 2024, Mars Area (PA), True Pittsburgh
Gavin Pate, 2023, Clarkston (MI), Great Lakes
Jacob Smith, 2023, Milford (OH), Resolute

GOALIE

Zane Coda | 2023
Guerin Catholic (IN), True IN

The local product who lives around 30 minutes from Grand Park made sure he put on a show in his backyard. Coda is a tall netminder who hovers right above the goal post but is able to save shots from all angles. Zane does a great job at tracking the ball from side to side but his ability to get to the low shots with his size is uncanny. His quickness combined with his size allows him to make some elite saves that put him on some coach's radars. 

Honorable Mention

Jace Bauer, 2022, Middleton (WI), Stags
AJ Ellis, 2023, Lake Forest (IL), True IL
Owen Brown, 2023, Saline (MI), Great Lakes

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2021 Can-Am Showcase photos are available on the NXT Showcase Facebook Page

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