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Firebirds Acquire Defenseman Roberto Mancini from Windsor
January 8, 2024 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release
FLINT, Mich. - The Flint Firebirds announced on Monday that they have acquired defenseman Roberto Mancini from the Windsor Spitfires in exchange for two draft choices.
Mancini, a 2003-born defenseman, is in his overage season and his final year of OHL eligibility. He has played in 19 games for the Spitfires and recorded three assists and a +7 plus/minus rating. Mancini was traded to the Spitfires from the Saginaw Spirit in November. With Saginaw this season, he had seven assists and a -3 plus/minus in 17 games played.
"Roberto is a steady, stay-at-home defenseman who will strengthen our back end," Firebirds Head Scout Mike Oliverio said. "We needed to add a little bit of experience on the back end, to help with younger guys and eat up some minutes. We like that Roberto can eat up those minutes and bring a veteran presence to our group. He's a puck mover who will push the puck north and get it to the forwards. A steadying force whose presence will help our forwards take a few chances and feel comfortable knowing that he's back there."
A native of Vaughan, Ontario, Mancini was originally selected by Saginaw in the fifth round of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. He recorded 13 goals and 12 assists in 66 games for Saginaw during the 2022-23 season and over 204 career OHL games he has 25 goals and 44 assists.
"Roberto brings grit, passion and a great puck moving ability to our lineup," Firebirds General Manager Dave McParlan said. "This move will make us deeper and more mature on the back end. He's a fifth-year OHLer and will add to the character and heart of our dressing room. We're excited to add Roberto to our organization."
Flint is sending Brantford's 2024 second round pick and its own 2027 third round pick to the Spitfires in the deal.
The Firebirds will return to action on Wednesday night on home ice against the Owen Sound Attack. It's a Buy One Get One Wednesday; any fan who buys a ticket to the game can get a second ticket of equal or lesser value for free. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Dort Financial Center.
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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 8, 2024
- Petes Acquire Caden Taylor, Conditional Pick from Wolves - Peterborough Petes
- Spirit Grab Star Blueliner, OHL Champion Donovan from Bulldogs - Saginaw Spirit
- Bulldogs Acquire 8 Draft Selections from Spirit for Donovan - Brantford Bulldogs
- Spitfires Claim G Max Donoso off Waivers from Ottawa - Windsor Spitfires
- Spitfires Trade Maillet to Ottawa 67s for Draft Picks - Windsor Spitfires
- Petes Acquire Young, Three Picks from Spirit - Peterborough Petes
- Spirit Acquire OHL Champion, World Junior Gold Medalist Owen Beck from Peterborough - Saginaw Spirit
- 67's Acquire Centre Jacob Maillet from Spitfires - Ottawa 67's
- Spitfires Trade Michelone to Ottawa 67s for a Draft Pick - Windsor Spitfires
- 67's Acquire Local Netminder Ian Michelone from Windsor - Ottawa 67's
- Romani and Oster Named OHL Top Performers of the Week - OHL
- Romani Earns Weekly Nod - North Bay Battalion
- Knights D-Man MacKinnon Taking Time Away from Hockey - London Knights
- Firebirds Acquire Defenseman Roberto Mancini from Windsor - Flint Firebirds
- Spitfires Trade Mancini to Flint for Draft Picks - Windsor Spitfires
- Knights Acquire Lawrence from 67's - London Knights
- 67's Acquire Pick from Knights for Kaleb Lawrence - Ottawa 67's
- IceDogs Week Ahead - January 8th - Niagara IceDogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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