In the annals of hockey history, there are players whose tales echo the grit and determination that define the sport. One such figure is Cesare Maniago, a former NHL goaltender whose journey to success was as winding as the slap shots he deflected.
Early Years and Beginnings:
Born on January 13, 1939, in Trail, British Columbia, Cesare Maniago’s affinity for hockey blossomed early on frozen ponds in the Canadian Rockies. His talent was unmistakable, but the road to the big leagues was fraught with challenges. Before finally finding his footing in the NHL, Maniago honed his skills with various teams in the minors and juniors.
The Long Road to Stardom:
It was a long and winding road for hockey goalie Cesare Maniago. He played junior hockey for the Toronto St. Michaels Majors in the OHA in the 1957/58 season and before turning pro in 1961 he played in the WHL for the Spokane Comets and Vancouver Canucks. He was also a member of the Chatham Maroons for their Allan Cup victory in 1959/60.
Turning pro in 1961, he played seven games for the Toronto Maple Leafs but couldn’t crack the lineup as the Leafs already had a goaltender by the name of Johnny Bower. Following this brief stint with the Leafs Maniago underwent a lengthy apprenticeship in the minor leagues. His next taste of the NHL was with the Montreal Canadiens in 1963 where he played 14 games to replace an injured Jacques Plante. It was not easy for a goaltender in the pre-expansion league to catch on with an NHL team and a lot of the goalies in this era spent years in the minors. Maniago’s next NHL stint was not until 1966 when his rights were traded to the New York Rangers. He played in just six games being unable to unseat Ed Giacomin as the number 1 goalie.
Despite his undeniable talent, opportunities in the NHL remained elusive.
It wasn’t until the NHL expansion in 1967 that Maniago’s fortunes changed. With the league doubling in size, new teams emerged, hungry for talent to fill their rosters. One such team was the Minnesota North Stars, and it was here that Maniago finally found a home.
The Minnesota North Stars Era:
Fortunes changed for Cesare Maniago after he was drafted by the expansion Minnesota North Stars. He immediately became their number 1 goalie and kept that job for the next nine seasons. He shared the goalkeeping duties with the legendary Gump Worsley and that goalie tandem led the North Stars into the NHL playoffs in five of their first six seasons. In 1968 Maniago had career highs in wins and shutouts and backstopped the North Stars into the league semi-finals. His agility, reflexes, and unwavering focus between the pipes earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
Over his nine seasons with the North Stars, Maniago solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier goaltenders. His consistency and reliability made him a fan favorite, while his leadership qualities endeared him to teammates. Maniago remains second in all-time games played and minutes played in net for the Minnesota franchise behind Marty Turco and is third in wins and shutouts to Ed Belfour and Turco.
In 1976 he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks where he played his final two seasons in the NHL. After his retirement he became a goaltending coach for the Canucks.
Stats and Accomplishments:
Throughout his NHL career, Maniago amassed an impressive array of statistics. He played a total of 568 games, registering 190 wins, 257 losses, and 81 ties. His career goals against average (GAA) stood at 3.27, with 30 shutouts to his name. These numbers reflect not only his skill as a goaltender but also his durability and longevity in a demanding position.
Maniago’s contributions extended beyond the stat sheet. He served as a mentor to younger players and was known for his charitable endeavors off the ice. His impact on the community and the sport of hockey as a whole is immeasurable.
Legacy and Beyond:
While Cesare Maniago may not be a household name like some of his contemporaries, his legacy looms large in the hearts of hockey fans, especially those in Minnesota. He exemplified perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence, qualities that define not only a great athlete but also a great human being.
As we reflect on Maniago’s career, let us remember the journeyman goaltender who defied the odds to leave his own mark in the NHL. His story serves as a reminder that greatness often lies not in the spotlight, but in the quiet moments of determination and dedication. Cesare Maniago may have hung up his skates, but his legend lives on in the hearts of hockey aficionados everywhere.
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