Remembering Manny

As is often the case, the “numbers” never truly tell the whole story.  Michael Maniago’s career WHL goaltending statistics are less than eye-popping.  While his career record of 12 games over .500 is admirable, those netminding stats that truly capture the hockey fan’s imagination were so-so-a goals against average of just over 3, and a save percentage a shade under .900. 

Not bad, not great, somewhere in between.  However, the Calgary native was much, much more than just his numbers.  I’ve covered the Lethbridge Hurricanes for over six years.  In that time, I’ve dealt with a lot of players.  None were better as a person than Michael Maniago.

On the first of this month, the 20-year old was killed in a traffic accident in his hometown.  The Calgary Police Service report stated early Saturday morning of November 29^th, in the city’s southeast, a young woman making a left turn hit the car Maniago was piloting, in the driver’s side door.  Michael died at the scene.  The report says alcohol was a factor in the collision. 

Death is never easy. It always seems harder to deal with when it involves a young person.  I offer my deepest condolences to Michael’s family and friends. 

The Hurricanes acquired Maniago from Kamloops early in the 2006-2007 campaign.  Like the rest of his team, Michael saw his share of ups and downs, and the side missed the playoffs.

However, 2007-2008 was a great year for the “Boys from the Bridge”, culminating in a trip to the WHL Finals.  Maniago was instrumental in helping his team succeed.  Most notably, he led the charge in the ‘Canes two best regular season runs. 

The first streak started in October, where the club earned points in 13 of 14 games, going 13-0-0-1.  Michael started 9 times, winning 8, losing 1 in a shootout, accompanied by a 1.64 goals against average and .926 save percentage. 

Then in January, the Hurricanes got hot once again, losing just once in regulation.  Number 30 went 6-1-1-1 over that span, with a 1.53GAA and .934sv%.  He also notched personal back-to-back shutouts over Edmonton and Tri-City.

By playoff time, Juha Metsola established himself as the ‘Canes go-to goalie.  As the rookie puck-stopper flourished, Maniago took on the back up role.  While a lot of young players might have bristled under the “demotion,” Michael supported Juha, and supported his team the best he could.

Off the ice, Maniago was always ready with his easy smile.  A humble kid, he was affable in interviews, even when questions got tough.  Even better, Michael was great as an ambassador for the Hurricanes and the WHL in public events.  It seemed no matter the situation, Maniago handled things with his typical class.  Michael earned respect from people because he showed respect.  I sometimes fear as a society we can all do better in that regard.

According to Transport Canada, about 2500 Canadians per year died in motor vehicle collisions between 2000-2006.  This year, Maniago has become the wrong type of statistic.  But for those of us blessed enough to spend even a little time with him, Michael was much, much more than just his numbers.