Looks like Chris Drury is out for tomorrow nights game against Ottawa…Bring in Mark Mancari…This kid can rumble when needed…I saw him in 2 fights this year in Rochester and did very well.
Mark Mancari
History
Mark Mancari, a defenseman turned forward for the Ottawa 67’s, had a breakout year in the 2003-2004 OHL season. After totaling just 25 points in his first two seasons, the 6’3, 225-pound London, Ontario native more than tripled his previous career highs by notching 65 points in his third campaign in the Canadian capital. Much of Mancari’s progress and increased confidence can be attributed to a move made by coach Brian Kilrea, who placed the winger on a line with scoring phenom Corey Locke in late December. As a benefactor of some fine playmaking from his new linemate, Mancari finished the year with 29 goals. Blossoming in a seven game playoff loss to Brampton, the gritty winger scored six key points in the first two games, finishing with eight points for the series. After being passed over in the 2003 draft, Mancari was rewarded for his fine play a year later by being scooped up by Buffalo in the 7th round (207th overall) in 2004.
A product of the London Knights Junior Hockey Association, Mancari went on to play Junior “B” for the St. Mary’s Lincolns of the OJHL as a 15-year-old. His 10 goals and 20 points as a defenseman were enough for the 67’s to select him in the 2001 OHL Priority Draft in the 2nd Round (34th overall). He split his first season between Ottawa and the Nepean Raiders of the Ottawa Valley Junior B League before becoming a regular on Ottawa’s roster in 2002-2003.
Talent Analysis
Mancari is a big, strong forward who likes to use his NHL-ready size to create space for his linemates, and cause problems in front of the opposing net. He possesses average speed, using a smooth skating stride for a player of his size. Rounding out his offensive skill set are an adequate pair of hands, coupled with a very hard slap shot. The winger makes his mark by being smart, coachable and versatile. When teammate Kyle Wharton went down to an injury in 2002-03, Mancari drew upon his past experience and readily assumed a role on the blueline as his replacement. To date, he’ll still accept a defensive role when called upon, despite settling in as a full-time forward at the onset of 2003-04. Even with an increase in overall confidence as a result of his production, the hard working Mancari tends to get down on himself easily. He competes hard every game, and refuses to take losing lightly.
Future
Mancari will start the 2006-07 season back in Rochester where he hopes to gain better consistency and continue to improve on all facets of the game. He’s probably a year away from pushig for 4th line duty in Buffalo.