Prospect Profile: Matt Mangene, Matt Konan

The Flyers announced that they have signed two defensive prospects to deals; Matt Mangene from the University of Maine, and Matt Konan from the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL (Western Hockey League). 


Matt Mangene 

Mangene, 23, from Manorville, NY spent this past season playing for the Maine Black Bears in the NCAA. The New York native is a very versatile player and will fit in nicely with the Phantoms.  Mangene can play both forward and defense, as he did so for the Black Bears this season.

Matt put together 16 goals and 18 assists for 34 points in 40 games.  Known as an energy guy with tremendous work ethic, Mangene can also drum up the offense when called upon. In his 3 years at Maine, Matt amassed 20 goals and 35 assists in 105 games. At 5’10” 190lb, Matt reminds some of a younger Darroll Powe. 


U of  M’s Men’s hockey coach, Tim Whitehead, had some great things to say about Matt -

“His skating catches everyone’s eye right away, but secondly is his competitiveness,” said Whitehead. “He never quits on a puck or a battle [for the puck].”

Whitehead also pointed out that Mangene’s speed has more than one dimension -

“Matty is a naturally good skater,” he said, noting his stride as a key. “Even better is his recovery. … He can bring it at high speed again and again. That’s a rare commodity in the game.” -Bangor Daily News


Mangene’s contract is 2-years at a $767,500 cap hit.  His AHL salary is $70,000.   Technically the contract is for 3-years, as Matt will join the Phantoms to help out with their playoff push in the final weeks of the season. He will be with the Phantoms full time starting in ’12-’13.  Look for Matt to play forward in Adirondack, and use his blazing speed to create secondary scoring. Something the Phantoms have seriously lacked this season.  


Matt Konan

Konan, 21, has spent the past 5 years playing defense with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL.  Named the most improved player in the ’09-’10 season, Konan has become a physical force on the blue line. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 190lbs, the Tustin, California native compiled 9-goals and 45-assists for 54-points in 72-games. For his career, Matt put together 19-goals and 88-assists for 107-points in 301-games. 




Although Matt has some offensive prowess, he likely will be used as a shutdown defenseman.  His reach allows him to keep threats at bay, while improving his recovery ability.  Matt has been a “plus” player for his entire semi-pro career, ending with a +71 in five years with the Tigers. Konan will have to bulk up and gain valuable upper body strength to compete for an NHL roster spot.  Either way, this was a great signing for the orange and black.  


Until next time…LET’S GO FLYERS!!!!

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