Saginaw signs Soo skater
Wow. That didn’t take long.
A mere week after taking Calem Mangone with the second overall pick of the first round of the 2021 Ontario Hockey League under 18 draft, the Saginaw Spirit has signed the Sault Ste. Marie product to a standard player contract.
“As an organization, we are very happy Calem has committed to our program,” relayed long-time Saginaw general manager Dave Drinkill.
“We are thrilled to be able to add a player with the skills, work ethic, and character that Calem possesses. I look forward to seeing him on the ice very soon. On behalf of our staff, we welcome Calem and his family to the Spirit,” Drinkill added.
Mangone, a 5-foot-9, 160 pound right winger with a 2004 birth date, is a graduate of the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League.
The Jr. Greyhounds were part of a limited 2020-2021 season due to COVID-19, playing in only a handful of cohort exhibition matches with the Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves. The year prior, Mangone had 13 goals, 11 assists, 24 points in 27 regular season games for coach Jamie Henderson and the Jr. Hounds but was bypassed at the 2020 OHL priority selections draft.
Mangone, who has already been assigned jersey no. 7 for Saginaw ahead of the 2021-2022 season, referred to being drafted by Saginaw as a “surreal moment.
“Now, signing the contract is a huge relief because playing in the OHL is something I have been working toward for a long time. Playing for a first class organization like Saginaw is a dream come true.
“The Spirit is the team I was hoping would pick me and now signing is a huge thrill. I am excited to get down to Saginaw and meet the fans and become acquainted with the community. I am looking forward to the opportunity to get on the ice with my teammates and pushing myself to become an elite OHL player,” added Mangone.
Saginaw is getting a great kid from a great family. Wishing you all the best Calem! From the Merlino’s