By Greg Bates
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – Victor Mancini got a chance to show hockey fans on a big stage he’s one of the best young defensemen in the country.
Mancini was the lone Green Bay Gamblers player chosen to play in the BioSteel All-American Game that pits the top American-born prospects available for the upcoming NHL Draft against members of the U.S. National Under-18 and Under-17 teams.
Mancini skated in the game at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, April 7.
“It was a great experience to meet the other players around the USHL (United States Hockey League),” Mancini said. “I got to talk to these good players outside of the rink. It was nice being from Michigan, so I had lots of family and friends who were able to support me.”
Mancini was one of seven defensemen on the White team – there were 22 players on each squad.
He started on the second shift, but as the game went on, the defensemen rotated their shifts.
The Blue team earned a 7-1 victory.
Mancini, who is a big defenseman at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, tied for a team-high four shots on goal and had multiple scoring opportunities.
“Even though I’m a defender, I like to create some offense,” Mancini said. “Unfortunately, some goalies made some good saves, and I couldn’t put the puck in the net. But, I was happy with my chances.”
Mancini’s best chance to score came when he received a pass in front of the slot.
“I put it into the goalie, and he made a nice save,” he said. “I was upset about that one, but you’ve got to shake it off and focus on your next shift.”
Mancini – who went undrafted last year but was rated the No. 77 European skater by Central Scouting – said he feels he played to his potential and showed his skills.
“It was a challenge, but I enjoyed it,” he said. “When you’re on the ice, you know you’re with the best players, but you have to put that in the back of your mind and focus on your game.”
When Mancini takes on high-caliber competition, he said he ups his game.
“You want to prove you belong in that group, so your game rises a bit,” he said. “Playing with such good players helps you elevate your game.”
Mancini said he believes he stands out from other defensemen around the country for several reasons.
“My dependability on the ice shows I can play in all situations,” he said. “I do my job and try not to force anything. On defense, I’m solid. On offense, I’m able to join the second layer to help.”
It was a tough matchup for the White team since the players don’t skate together during the season, unlike the Blue team players.
The White team had two days of practice to prepare.
Mancini had some familiarity behind the bench with Gamblers coach/general manager Pat Mikesch serving as the White team head coach.
Playing back in the U.S.
Before joining the Gamblers, Mancini played the 2019-20 season for the Frolunda U20 junior team in Gothenburg, Sweden.
He tallied nine goals and five assists in 38 games.
Mancini started his second season with Frolunda U20, but the season got canceled due to COVID-19.
He decided to come back to the United States and said he feels fortunate to play with the Gamblers.
Through 27 games, Mancini has three goals and seven assists for 10 points.
He was added to the Gamblers’ roster and missed the first dozen-plus games at the start of the season.
“I’ve bonded with the guys, and it’s been a fun experience coming back to the states,” said Mancini, whose dad, Bob, is a former college hockey coach and helped found USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. “We’re all excited for the playoffs and to show what we can do.”
Mancini, who turns 19 May 26, will finish out this season with the Gamblers before heading off to the University of Nebraska-Omaha this fall.
Playing for the Gamblers has helped him become a better-rounded player, he said.
“Game-wise, the speed of the game – and coming from overseas to here, now you’re playing in the smaller rink,” Mancini said. “The coaching staff has helped me better my game. It’s helping me prepare to go into college and be successful.”