Firebirds’ Roberto Mancini commits to UNB Reds
By Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics – goredsgo.ca
(FREDERICTON, NB) The two-time defending U SPORTS men’s hockey champion UNB REDS are adding defenceman Roberto Mancini to their recruiting class of 2024.
The 21-year-old, from Vaughan, ON, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2024-2025 Atlantic University Sport season.
“I can’t wait to get started and join the team,” said Mancini. “I’m excited for the years to come and am honoured to be able to wear the REDS jersey.”
Mancini recently ended a major junior career that saw him play more than 230 regular season games with the Saginaw Spirit, Windsor Spitfires, and Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League.
“Roberto is a big addition for us,” said REDS’ head coach Rob Hennigar. “His size and length, along with the way he skates and moves the puck, is something we coveted.”
“I chose UNB because of the unbelievable hockey program,” said Mancini. “When I visited the campus, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. The team and atmosphere were very welcoming and made it an easy choice to become a RED.”
In 232 OHL regular season games over four seasons, Mancini registered 30 goals and 54 assists, but offensive production isn’t what he’s known for.
He says his competitive nature and work ethic should help him fit in with the REDS.
“I’m a big, competitive, strong and agile defenceman that loves to play a shut-down role,” he said. “I’m strong-willed and will do anything to help my team win.”
“He has the ability to defend and break up plays in both the defensive and neutral zones,” said Coach Hennigar. “His skating allows him to join the rush when the opportunity presents itself. He makes a good first pass, knows his role and plays it well.”
Mancini has attended development camps with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and Ottawa Senators.
While with the Spirit, he played with current REDS forward Camaryn Baber.
“Cam had a big influence on me choosing UNB,” said Mancini. “I loved playing with him in Saginaw and I can’t wait to be on the same team again. He’s one of the best captains I’ve had.”
Mancini says his immediate goals with the REDS will be to develop and grow as a player.
He’ll pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree while attending UNB.
