Blair Manning Makes Impression in Debut with Utah

April 2, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
San Antonio Iguanas News Release


SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – San Antonio Iguana's center Blair Manning made quite an impact in his first game with the Utah Grizzlies of the American Hockey League on Monday night in Utah versus the Houston Aeros.

Manning, 26, was called-up by the Grizzlies on Monday prior to their meeting with the Aeros. Despite the 2-1 overtime loss by Utah, Manning's debut was impressive as he drew his first ever AHL assist on the Grizzlies only goal scored midway through the third period by Steve Gainey. Along with the assist, Manning was also a +1 for the game.

The Vancouver native saw his Central Hockey League season end on Saturday night when the Iguanas fell to Austin ending San Antonio's first round best-of-five series with the Ice Bats. Manning finished the series with Austin with one goal. In the regular season, the first year Iguana led his team in scoring and finished tied for 10th in the CHL with 77 points (29 goals and 48 assists).

In his sixth professional season, Manning has also made stops with three other AHL teams, the Saint John Flames (96-97), the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks (97-98) and the Lowell Lock Monsters (98-99). In six total games with those clubs, Manning failed to score a point.

The Grizzlies have three games remaining on the regular season schedule and have already qualified for the AHL playoffs and currently trail Grand Rapids by just one point in the race for the Western Division title. Utah serves as the primary AHL affiliate for the National Hockey League's Dallas Stars.

"Blair had an outstanding season and deserves to be rewarded," said Iguanas Head Coach Chris Stewart. "I have no doubt in Blair's ability and it doesn't surprise me that he got on the score sheet in his first game with the Grizzlies but I know he would have rather have won the game and been apart one of the team's victories. There is a lot of talent in Utah and they are a top organization and I am sure that Blair feels he fits right in with their club."

Manning's next game with Utah will be on Wednesday night at home versus the division leading Grand Rapids Griffins. You can listen to Manning and the Grizzlies on the Internet at www.utahgrizzlies.com. Face off is scheduled for 8:00 PM CST.



Central Hockey League Stories from April 2, 2002


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