The Victoria Shamrocks have made a major splash ahead of their 75th anniversary season, acquiring Victoria native and 2023 Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) co-MVP Zach Manns from the Nanaimo Timbermen in a blockbuster trade.
In exchange, the Shamrocks sent forward Thomas Vaesen and the playing rights to local prospect Noah Manning to Nanaimo – a move that brings one of the league’s top offensive threats back to his hometown.
Manns, a 26-year-old forward, led the WLA in scoring in 2023 and was named a first-team all-star. He followed that up with a second-place finish in league scoring last season, earning a spot on the WLA’s second all-star team.
Over his WLA career, the 6'2", 200-pound lefty has tallied 109 goals and 137 assists for 246 points in just 61 games, including both regular season and playoffs.
“Zach has been known as the best local player not playing for the Shamrocks — but we’ve finally fixed that, at least for now,” Shamrocks general manager Chris Welch said. “It’s a massive deal for us to add another elite offensive talent to our group.”
Manns is currently enjoying a standout season in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), where he led the Saskatchewan Rush with 74 regular-season points – 35 goals and 39 assists in 18 games.
While the Shamrocks part ways with Vaesen and Manning, the acquisition of Manns is part of a broader push to build a championship-calibre roster. Victoria, the defending WLA champions, has added several key players in recent weeks as they gear up for another Mann Cup run.
That includes the signing of 2024 NLL Rookie of the Year Alex Simmons from the Albany FireWolves. The 26-year-old forward followed up his award-winning campaign with a 96-point season, tallying 37 goals and 59 assists. The right-handed playmaker brings dynamic offensive potential to the Shamrocks lineup.
Simmons joins the Shamrocks on an interprovincial transfer from the Cobourg Kodiaks of Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) in Ontario.
“I’m really excited to be part of such a historic organization,” Simmons said. “I’ve only heard great things from current and past players about playing in Victoria. I’m excited to make a run for the Mann Cup.”
Also joining the fold is 28-year-old forward Andrew Kew, currently suiting up for the Georgia Swarm. Kew posted 76 points in the NLL this past season and is described by the Shamrocks as a proven talent with big-game experience.
He will officially join Victoria on an interprovincial transfer from the Oakville Rock of the MSL.
“We’re thrilled to add Andrew to our team,” said head coach Mike Simpson. “He’s an elite, proven talent at the highest level of the game.”
Manns and the Rush are set to face Kew and the Swarm in the NLL quarter-finals on Saturday, April 26, in a single-elimination contest during the 2025 playoffs.
Once their NLL campaigns wrap up, Manns, Kew, and Simmons will join the Shamrocks in Victoria.
The Shamrocks open their season at The Q Centre on Friday, May 23, against the Maple Ridge Burrards. Faceoff is set for 6:45 p.m.
