Victor Mancini talks team vibes, Finals prep, and what it’s like being part of Abbotsford’s playoff run

ABBOTSFORD CANUCKS/ X

With the finals just a day away, Girls at the Games chatted with Victor Mancini about how the group has grown, what they’re focusing on, and what this whole experience has meant to him.

Mancini has played an important role in Abbotsford’s playoff run. Coming in mid-year after being traded from the New York Rangers Organization, he quickly found his place with the team on and off the ice. 

Jaslyne:

What is the mental and emotional growth [like] through playoffs?

Victor:

Yeah it's been really fun to be a part of, I think, just how close this team is and how we've stuck together through it all, obviously, wins, losses, highs and lows. We've just stayed really level headed. I think we've stayed very confident throughout the whole process. And it'll be fun. We're all very antsy to get to Charlotte [and start] playing.

Jaslyne:

What’s the game plan for facing Charlotte?

Victor:

I think, you know, two teams that get to the finals we play a little similar. Honestly, just with our pace and our execution of plays and our physicality. You don't get to the finals without being a team that's been playing well. They're well put together. I have a little familiarity with them playing in Hartford. They have some very skilled forwards, even on the back, and their d-man, right? They're really good at moving pucks and joining the rush. I feel like in our locker room, we try to keep the focus on us right now and what we want to do within the game and our process throughout the playoffs.

Jaslyne:

[Your] first two games [are] on the road—what’s the goal?

Victor:

Yeah, you know, we're not going to put ourselves in a box by any means. We want to go in there. And, you know, we want to play our game. We want to go in, we want to throw the first punch right? And no matter if we're tied [in] score, up a goal,  down a goal, you know, we know our game plan and what's been making us successful, and just stick to that and stick together.

Jaslyne:

How do you keep the energy from home games going?

Victor:

I think no matter where we are, we feel the support of Abbotsford and the surrounding areas. I think it's pretty easy to get energized for these final games, you know, just playing for something special, you don't get that opportunity every now and then. So just excited to get going.

Jaslyne:

This is the farthest you’ve ever gone in your career—what’s that been like?

Victor:

It's been special to share it with my teammates and my family as well. You know, they're all very excited and wanting to go to the games. So, yeah, just very, very, just pumped up, antsy to go out and play [with] a lot of emotions, but just very, very excited.

Jaslyne:

Will family and friends be there?

Victor:

I'm from Michigan, so kind of yes, but still far away. Yeah, family and friends are gonna be in attendance. See my parents, I haven't seen them for a little while.

Jaslyne:

Any shoutouts or messages from friends?

Victor:

Yeah, I've got a few, a lot of like, old teammates, friends reaching out, you know, all my buddies from back home, they're like, you know, ‘When am I gonna see you?’ It's, you know, it's late June, but we’re still in it!

Jaslyne:

What’s it like being part of a team that’s building a playoff culture?

Victor:

It's important. It's fun to be a part of, and to establish that culture, right, and continue as we go. Yeah, it's, it's something that everyone wants to be a part of.

Jaslyne:

[What is your] most memorable moment so far?

Victor:

We've had some great moments after wins and OT goals and stuff like that. But I just, I really enjoy how close this team is off the ice, and, you know, the dinners that we get to have on the road and the card games and long plane flights, right? Like to be here doing that, especially this late in the year. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Jaslyne:

What was it like joining later in the year? Did you feel like you settled right in at the start?

Victor:

I think so. It was nice, you know, having some guys up in Van as well and getting to know them. And I was here in February for a little bit. Everyone was super welcoming and helping me out, and just helping me kind of get to know the land and the area, the team, you know everything right, and so very appreciative for all the help I've gotten. And so I will try to give it back and help this team succeed. It has been good.

Jaslyne: 

So best of luck in Charlotte! 

Victor: 

Thank you so much. Yeah, it'll be fun! 

The Calder Cup Finals kick off Friday June 13, 2025, with Games 1 and 2 taking place at Bojangles Coliseum, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The series then moves to Abbotsford Centre for Games 3 and 4 on June 17 and 19, with a potential Game 5 scheduled for June 21. If the series continues, Games 6 and 7 will be played back in Charlotte.