Manny Panghli is back in Kamloops, but will be the back-up on Friday night when Spokane visits the Blazers (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

MANNY PANGHLI

Kamloops’ Panghli returns to hometown again, enjoying WHL ride

Apr 1, 2022 | 1:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — Born and raised in Merritt before his family moved to Kamloops, Manny Panghli has deep roots in this region.

He played most of his minor hockey in Merritt, then finished off in Kamloops with the Thompson Blazers, playing at the Sandman Centre a handful of times before his WHL career started with a few games in net last year.

“Yeah sometimes we did [play at Sandman Centre]. It was always awesome playing here and I always aspired to play in this arena one day,” said the 18-year-old Panghli.

As the hometown guy, Panghli got the nod from head coach Ryan Smith when the Chiefs visited the Blazers on March 2. While the score ended up lopsided — a 7-2 Kamloops win — Spokane kept it close through two periods — trailing only 3-2 — thanks to Panghli, who made 35 saves in the loss.

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“I was excited and nervous at the same time. It was really exciting, though, to come back to see my family after a long time and play in front of them,” he noted. “I thought [my performance] was good. We fell apart in the third period, but we played good through two and hopefully we can do that again tonight.”

Smith added, “He had a really good game here, played well. He kept us in it. In the third, they got a few goals, but it wasn’t Manny. He played quite well. The last few starts he’s had good play, kept us in games. For me, his work ethic has improved and it’s showing in his game.”

Panghli, however, won’t be in net on Friday night when the Chiefs visit the Blazers again.

In 20 starts this season, he’s 2-12-1 with a 5.69 goals-against average and .847 saves percentage. Panghli’s stat lines don’t show his progress in his rookie season.

Despite missing home and his family, he’s enjoying his time in Spokane.

“It’s a little different, but I really like it down there. It’s super nice,” he said. “My billets are awesome. I’ve got Ach as my billet brother, so he’s good too. It’s awesome.”

Panghli, like any young hockey player, wants to make the next step, which in his case is becoming a starting goaltender in the league.

“I think it’s going well,” he said. “I’m working hard and grinding every day.” “I would hope so,” Smith added, saying Panghli’s size at 6’1″ helps him cover a lot of net. “Young guys want to move up in the line-up, so Manny right now, he’s a young guy, a rookie. Next year will be a year where he takes a step forward.”

NO STREEKER

Another Kamloops native, Chiefs forward Carter Streek, will not play tonight in his former home rink. The 18 year old has been out with an ankle injury. He’s hoping to return to the Spokane line-up next week.

In 39 games this season, Streek has 10 goals and four assists.