Getting to know your Maulers
Player #6 Christian Manning

Get to know a Mauler

Player #6: Christian Manning

(Credit to Missoula Maulers)

Welcome back to another Meet your Maulers! This interview features defenseman #15 Christian Manning. Christian is 6 ft 2 in, 255 lbs, and is from Parker, Colorado, He played for the Maulers in the 2012-2013 season. Last season, he had 1 goal in 17 games played, 3 assists, 4 TPs, a +/- of -1, 14 PIMs, 3 power play assists, and 1 game winning goal. Christian is a very stable defenseman and knows exactly what to do when defending the blue line. He connects with his team mates well on and off the ice and is very good if you need someone to save a stray puck or destroy an oncoming forward. I think in my personal opinion that he will be a power defenseman this season along with veterans Niko Pukkila and Tyler Zandhuisen. It will be exciting to see what he can bring to the team this year. Manning is always an interesting person to talk with and you will most definitely see that in his answers. I had the great pleasure to interview him and here it is!

1. What are you most looking forward to with the Maulers this year?

CM: Helping lead this team to a championship and further bettering my hockey career to moving on

2. What do you expect to bring to the team this year?

CM: I bring leadership on and off the ice along with physicality and offensive force

3. What age did you start playing?

CM: 5 years old

4. Other than hockey what are your hobbies/things you like to do outside the rink?

CM: I fly fish with Z and Chambo or play my guitar

5. What is your favorite NHL team and player?

CM: Chicago Blackhawks and Jonathan Toews. Great leader and has a work ethic next to none.

6. Where do you see yourself in hockey in the next 5 years?

CM: Playing college hockey and possibly professional somewhere

7. What do you like most about Missoula?

CM: The fan support here is top notch. Everyone involved with hockey here has a big heart and makes Missoula an amazing place to be

8. Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?

CM: Thank you for making this town a special place to be and to keep bringing the roar to the GIR [Glacier Ice Rink]

9. Xavier LaFlamme, Hanson Brothers, or Jimmy Craig?

CM: Hansons no doubt

10. If you had to compare yourself to anyone in the NHL who would it be?

CM: Dustin Byfuglien. Big guy that rocks the filthy mitts and isn't afraid to drop 'em for the boys

11. Do you have any pregame rituals or songs?

CM: Stretch in same spot in the rink by myself, listen to same pregame playlist

12. Who is the best travel partner?

CM: Probably Nordy, Z, or Chamberlain.....we make trips interesting

13. If you had to pair up a villain and a superhero on the team who would it be?

CM: Villain has to be Joren Johnson and superhero has to be the human torch Matt Chamberlain

14. Best dressed?

CM: Besides myself???? Uhhh probably the Swedes haha

15. Best hockey memory?

CM: Making Rocky Mountain district camp when I was sixteen and playing with some very talented young guys

16. Worst locker room experiences?

CM: Mmm locker room is like Vegas. What happens stays in there haha

17. Who is the player that best embodies the junior lifestyle?

CM: Schaf daddy (Corey Schafer)  definitely takes the crown. Followed closely by yours truly

18. If you had to be stranded on a desert island with anyone in the world who would it be?

CM: Jennifer Lawrence no questions asked.

 
   By his interview you can see what an interesting and fun person Christian is! I can't wait to see him back on the blue line as a stable d-man. Good luck this season Christian!