The Whitecourt Wolverines are proud to announce that overage defenceman Gianni Mangone, has committed to Arizona State University for the 2014/15 season.
Mangone, a 3 year veteran in the Alberta Junior Hockey League spent two and a half seasons with the Calgary Canucks in the South Division before coming over to the Wolverines on January 5th 2014 for Clay Spencer.
Known to many in the AJHL as a “Power Play Specialist,” Mangone graduates with 110 games under his belt with 23 Goals (15 on the power play), 46 Assists and 222 Penalty Minutes.
“Gianni is a kid I have been recruiting now for two years,” Arizona State Head Coach Greg Powers said in an email. “He is a very dynamic player on the back end that fits in perfectly with our quick transition game. I love (defensemen) who can move the puck and join the rush and Gianni is just that.”
Mangone follows in Associate Coach Darcy Charrois’ footsteps, being the 2nd Wolverine to head down to the “Copper State”. Charrois played three seasons at Arizona State, appearing in 108 games before graduating their program in 2012-13 as a Sun Devil.
“I’m very excited to continue my hockey career with ASU. It wasn’t too hard of a decision for me, I talked to coach Powers a lot and after they just won the National Championship it made me realize they have a great program and a very good education system. I get to spend my college career in the heat while also playing the game I love in the cold, I don’t think it could get any better.” Said Mangone.
“Gianni is a great offensive defensemen that led our power play. He has a great first pass, heavy shot, and became a reliable player in all 3 zones. I am confident that Gianni will be a welcome addition to the Sun Devils hockey program.” Stated by Head Coach and General Manager Joey Bouchard.
Gianni is the seventh player this season from the Wolverines to have a commitment at the University or College Level. Here are the following committed players:
Colten Mayor (University of Western Ontario)
Jerome Raymond (McGill University)
Ryan Berlin (Princeton University)
Matthew Abt (Rochester Institute of Technology)
Mitch Deacon (Nipissing University)
Sam Lawson (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology)
Gianni Mangone (Arizona State University)
Devin Rideout
Director of Off Ice Operations