Matthew Mania

June 2023 – Matthew “Hulka” Mania was selected 150th overall by the Kings. Pat Quinn

April 2023 – As his name would suggest, chaos ensues when Matthew Mania steps on the ice. He has a set of plus-level tools, which he leverages to create consistent offense. He’s a very slot-oriented playmaker, consistently sending pucks from the boards to the middle, and his on-puck composure under heavy physical pressure is among the best in the class for defensemen. His mobility and handling allow him to solve problems in practical manners and to quickly change angles to access new passing lanes. His defensive game remains a work in progress, and he will likely never be the “shut-down” type, but there have been flashes of defensive progress in his game as the season’s progressed. He defends transition with composure and strong stick work, but he can falter when rushes necessitate physical intervention to stop them. His breakout game is also a strength; Mania generates a high rate of exits by attracting pressure and passing through forecheckers, allowing his teammates to attack the newly-vacated space. As a whole, Mania has upside as a #4 defenseman, but will need to refine his game over the next 3-4 years to make the NHL as he remains very raw. Sebastian High

April 2023 – For reasons other than having the best name in the draft, Matthew Mania of the Sudbury Wolves is just so much fun. One of the premier transition defensemen in this draft, Mania uses his great puckhandling posture, quick feet and hands, and constantly swivelling head to gain bluelines and make defenders look silly. Mania’s gap control is an issue, but as an electric, 6’0 right-hander who’s 5th among draft-eligible D-men in points, his development could be one to watch. Luke Sweeney