WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes

Canes set to honor Maniago Friday

March 12, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Lethbridge Hurricanes News Release


Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes family suffered a great loss this season with the passing of Michael Maniago, but it should be known that his memory will not be soon forgotten. With the regular season coming to a close the Lethbridge Hurricanes are setting the stage to honor former teammate Michael Maniago on Friday, March 13, 2009. The Hurricanes will be presenting a cheque for the Michael Maniago Memorial Fund to Michael's mother, Terri Maniago, prior to the start of Friday's game.

Maniago passed away suddenly in late November in a car accident in Calgary. This season, the Hurricanes standout had decided to return to school instead of continuing in the league as an overage 20-year-old player, although he remained involved in hockey as a coach for young net minders.

The Canes acquired Maniago from Kamloops early in the 2006-2007 campaign. 2007-2008 was a great year for Lethbridge and included a trip to the WHL Finals. Maniago was instrumental in helping his team to their first WHL Eastern Conference Championship in 11 years. He tied the Hurricanes club record for the most shutouts by an individual; with five in the 2007-2008 campaign. Maniago and Juha Metsola also combined for eight team shutouts, also a club record.

Michael's memory will live on well beyond this year and the next. As the saying goes ‘once a Lethbridge Hurricane always a Lethbridge Hurricane' and you can see his contributions on a daily basis - the Hurricanes veterans who were around him last year carry his same attitude, on and off the ice.

In addition, the Lethbridge United Way and the Lethbridge Hurricanes will be raffling off Maniago's game worn jersey with all of the proceeds going to the Michael Maniago Memorial Fund. The fund is used to help give underprivileged kids equipment and opportunities in sport.

Game time is 7:00 p.m. MST and tickets can be purchased by visiting the ENMAX Centre Ticket Office, the Yates Theatre Centre, by calling (403) 329-SEAT or online at: www.lethbridgehurricanes.com




Western Hockey League Stories from March 12, 2009


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