Even in a league that has included predecessors who have played pro and in the World Cup, Ian Whibley is having the kind of season that has Vancouver Island Soccer League officials scouring through the record books. His 26 goals have heads spinning in the VISL and Vic West unbeaten atop the table at 12-0-2.
The former University of Victoria Vikes star striker from Errington, who was a mechanical engineering major, will lead the VISL All-Star team into the annual game against the Fraser Valley Soccer League All-Stars Saturday at 5 p.m. at Lambrick Park.
Records are often spotty in amateur leagues that lack the resources of pro leagues, especially in a century-plus old league like the VISL.
“We are currently searching to see where this ranks in league history,” said VISL executive-director Vince Greco.
“I believe we will find we have to go back to the early 2000s and Steve Williams with those powerhouse Vantreights teams.”
Quipped Vic West co-coach Derek deGroot: “Steve Williams is the recent word-of-mouth guy but the older records are probably chiselled on a piece of stone somewhere.”
Regardless, Whibley is fashioning a great tale, especially after missing most of last season with an ACL tear.
“This is quite a story, especially with Whibley coming back from an injury,” said Greco.
“He is having an amazing season and has been dangerous all the time. When he isn’t scoring, he’s setting up goals.”
Whibley is eight goals up on league runner-up and fellow Vic West striker Salem Almardy, who has 18 goals.
“If it wasn’t for Ian [Whibley], everybody would be talking about Salem [Almardy],” said deGroot, who coaches Vic West with Stuart Heath.
Veteran Paddy Nelson of Vic West, the most prolific scorer in recent VISL history, and former pro Blair Sturrock of Lakehill are tied for third on 10 goals each.
“Our whole front three has been dangerous and outstanding,” said deGroot, referring to the prolific Vic West trio of Whibley, Almardy and Nelson.
Leading the VISL All-Stars against Fraser Valley Saturday will be Whibley, Almardy and Sturrock as Vic West and Lakehill lead with five players selected from each club. Gorge FC and Bays United have three players each selected, Nanaimo United two and Powell River and Cowichan FC one each.
The VISL leads the series against Fraser Valley 7-3, including last year’s game that was decided in the 10th round of penalty kicks.
The Masters All-Stars from the VISL and Fraser Valley meet Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Layrtiz Park.
When VISL Div. 1 play resumes next week, Vic West will continue trying to fend off second-place Gorge FC (12-1-1) with every other club well off the pace as third-place Bays United is 8-6 and defending regular-season champion Lakehill in fourth place at 7-6-1. Comox Valley United rounds out the top-five in the 10-team league at 6-8.
