Michael Manzi: The freshman’s quick rise to prominence

By Logan Weingartner and Logan Russo

OSWEGO, N.Y. — When Michael Manzi made his official commitment to Oswego on June 17, 2025, one would’ve found it near-impossible to believe that he would be starting in a game where blood, sweat and tears are all laid on the line — the SUNYAC championship.

But that’s exactly what’s happening, and against one of the most renowned college hockey teams to ever hit the ice.

Oswego will battle with the top-seeded, 27-0 Hobart Statesmen on Saturday in the finals, which will mark Manzi’s third straight start, with the first coming in a semifinal victory over Skidmore last week.

The Lakers have seen the Statesmen twice already this season, with both results coming in the form of losses. Manzi is hoping to flip the script, though, and the recipe for hopeful success against the reigning national champions is one of fighting tooth-and-nail for a shot at glory.

“Once we get on that ice, national championships and all that other stuff goes away,” Manzi said. “It’s us versus them… make them earn it or we’re gonna take it.”

Manzi has amassed 16 saves in the pair of games against Hobart that he has come in relief for, earning the trust of both staff and players.

Brandon Milberg led the Lakers to stardom last year when they won the SUNYAC title in a 5-2 defeat of Plattsburgh State. However, the depth chart has realigned this postseason. Head coach Ed Gosek — similar to the rest of Laker faithful — had little idea that a first-year netminder would be starting in such a high-stakes clash. Yet the tenacity and drive of No. 30 narrated a different path.

“When things hit the skids a little bit, Milberg got the opportunity and played extremely well… but now Manzi has worked himself back into the picture,” Gosek said. “We have confidence in all three of our goalies, and Manzi seems to be at the top of his game right now. I’m very pleased with the way he’s playing, and his athleticism has hit peak level.”

Manzi’s hockey career has been a tale of travels, with stops in Pennsylvania, Texas, Alaska, Wisconsin and most recently, New York.

With new scenery comes new learning opportunities, and Manzi has been able to navigate those by finding himself a tried-and-true family at the Deborah F. Stanley Ice Arena.

“Everyone has welcomed me in…it’s been a dream here,” Manzi said. “Every night I rely on them, they rely on me and we can’t do this with one of us not working out or not doing our job. We always got each other no matter what, it’s a family mindset here and I love it.”

Manzi will make his 17th career start on Saturday, and his preparation for the all-or-nothing bout is one of modesty, calmness and sticking to the usual gameplan.

“Same thing as normal, just another game,” Manzi said. “Can’t overcomplicate things, can’t make things bigger because then everyone stresses out…just go out, have fun, relax and play our game.”

Puckdrop in Geneva, N.Y. at The Cooler is set for 7 p.m., and can be streamed through WTOP-10TV, Hobart Athletics and the SUNYAC network.