McManus excited for 'extra year'

Former LaSalle Vipers forward Patrick McManus is excited to join the Essex 73's for the upcoming season. "A couple of my close buddies play in Essex so they helped set it up and once the new rule was official, we got the papers signed." McManus said.

Patrick McManus taking faceoff

According to the 21-year old, he would have had to drop down before sometime last year to play an extra year at the Jr. C level.

The 73's fell to the Lakeshore Canadiens in game 7 of the Stobbs division championship this past spring. "We will have a strong team this season and I’m looking forward to getting an extra year playing with the boys."

General manager Mike Pailey feels the leadership and skill McManus brings to the team will be a big asset. "I am hoping he rounds out a great experienced forward group that we have currently." Pailey said.

The Belle River native spent four seasons in LaSalle scoring 44 goals and finishing with 103 points in 120 games. McManus had 5 goals and 11 points in nine games this spring as the Vipers were knocked out in the second round of the GOJHL playoffs by the London Nationals.

McManus, who made his debut with the Windsor Spitfires and played six games in 2023, is thankful to the LaSalle organization for his time with the team. "Couldn’t thank LaSalle enough," McManus said. "If you have the chance to play there, take it. Their goal is not only to bring you to the next level of hockey but develop you as a person. The people in the crowd made my time there unforgettable."