Defenseman Of Year Mantei Foresees Big Step Forward
The final four are set in the WHL, and Brandon Wheat Kings’ defenseman Quinn Mantei has been watching the playoffs with a mixture of envy and determination.
Like any hockey player, Mantei would rather be playing in the Eastern Conference final right now than waiting out the offseason. Next season, he’s a firm believer the Wheat Kings can be the team that goes on an enviable run.
“Seeing the success that Moose Jaw has had after us, it just makes you want more,” Mantei said. “Playoffs are fun and we want to go on a long run at some point. This year, I think we can do that. We’ve got a lot of talent. As long as guys come in with the right mindset and put the work in over the summer, I don’t see why we couldn’t be one of the top teams in the league next year.”
That offseason work has already begun for Mantei, as he looks to build on what was a career season for him in 2023-24. He put up four goals and 30 assists (both the best totals of his career to date) en route to being named the Wheat Kings’ Brad McCrimmon Award winner for top defenseman for the second straight season. Yet he knows he has another level to find.
“I would’ve liked to have a little better year numbers wise, I kind of went dry at the end there,” Mantei said. “I thought I was still playing well, I just wasn’t getting the puck luck and the bounces I was getting earlier on. Overall, I was pretty happy with how it went.”
With his sights set on a more productive year next season, Mantei hopes to spend the offseason getting stronger, putting on muscle, and working on his shot. He spent much of the season as the quarterback on the Wheat Kings’ top power play unit, and feels an improved shot will help his game from that spot on the ice.
“Everybody always wants to work on their shot, but if I can really dial that in and be more of a threat as a shooter, I think that’ll benefit my playmaking,” said Mantei. “Being a threat in both areas of the game will really help me offensively.”
Mantei also expressed a desire to put on some weight so he’d be harder to knock off the puck, and he’s not the only Wheat King that will be looking to do that. If he and other players can add some muscle, that should help the Wheat Kings meet what are sure to be heightened expectations in 2024-25.
“We’ve got a lot of talent in that room, a lot of young guys, and that’s exciting for us,” Mantei said. “Everybody wants to take a step every year. I think that’s important for a lot of us. Everybody should be hungry for more and ready to take that next step next year where we’re going to be just as good if not better if everyone takes a step.”
Mantei added he would like to take part in another NHL development camp this summer, just like he did last summer with the Calgary Flames. That development camp earned him an invitation to the Flames’ main camp in September.