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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Mancini Named Rogers Sportsnet OHL Coach of the Year

March 22, 2006 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw Spirit head coach and General Manager Bob Mancini was named OHL Coach of the Year by Rogers Sportsnet. Mancini's Spirit compiled a record of 36-30-2-0, with 74 points as the Spirit finished second in the OHL West Division and fifth in the OHL Western Conference, after last year's fourth place/ ninth place finish. "I am very appreciative of the recognition", stated Mancini, "but in reality this is an honor that is truly shared with Ian Herbers, my coaching staff, and the players".

From Rogers Sportsnet: Top Coach Bob Mancini - Saginaw Spirit

The Spirit were a young team going through learning experiences last season. Well, they passed the test. In fact, you could say they aced it. Often times in junior hockey, young, losing teams get used to losing, and once they get older they've never learned how to win. This young team not only figured out how to win, but made it a habit. Mancini made sure his team was ready for each game, and it paid dividends.

Read the full story at: http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jspcontent=20060320_160739_5400

Mancini took the reigns of the Saginaw Spirit in November of 2004. Previously, he had been a scout with two NHL franchises (Edmonton, Quebec) and has been head coach for two U.S. University hockey programs (Ferris State, Michigan Tech).

Additionally, he was one of the founding members of the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Among his accomplishments, LSSU's first National Championship team included sophomores, juniors and seniors recruited by Mancini. Ferris State University earned home ice advantage during the playoffs for the first time and made their first appearance in the CCHA championship during Mancini's tenure as head coach.

Michigan Tech went to the WCHA final five for three of the four years Mancini was head coach.

Mancini was one of the founding members of the US National Team Development Program with former Guelph Storm head coach and current New York Islanders' assistant coach Jeff Jackson. Mancini was on the associate coach or director of player personnel for four world juniors tournament, including the 1997 Team USA silver medal performance.

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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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