Alumni Update: Manny Panghli

Click here for the game summary of Manny's WHL Debut

Spokane, Wash. — The Spokane Chiefs announced on Tuesday that they have signed 2004-born goaltender Manny Panghli to a WHL Standard Player Agreement.

“We’re very excited to add Manny to our organization,” said general manager Scott Carter. “He is an exciting prospect and an outstanding young man. Both of our goalie coaches — Lucas Gore and Jesse Plewis — have worked with him at (Okanagan Hockey Academy) and given high praise, especially for the work ethic and character he exhibits every day.

“He has earned this opportunity and we’re thrilled to have him. Welcome to Manny and the entire Panghli family.”

Panghli has an interesting story in that he started playing hockey when he was eight years old — later than most — and became a goalie when he was 10. He began playing highly-competitive hockey in seventh grade. The 6-foot netminder grew up in Merritt, B.C. before moving to Kamloops in 2018.

In 16 games for the Thompson Blazers U16 AAA (Kamloops) in 2019-20, he posted a 3.16 GAA and earned the team’s MVP award. After enrolling at the Okanagan Hockey Academy in Penticton last year, he has continued to improve, registering a 1.31 GAA and .940 SV% in seven games with the U17 Prep Black squad during the 2020-21 season.

“Manny’s development has been incredible in his 4 months here, enabling him to become one of the most promising goalies in the program,” noted his U17 coach Robert Dirk earlier this year.

Panghli has also drawn attention for his dedication to community involvement, earning OHA Student of the Month honors this past January for his efforts in obtaining a $750 grant for the Salvation Army Penticton Community Food Bank. As an elementary student, he and his older sister, Simren, helped raise over $1,000 for his local school’s breakfast program and he later collected over 160 pounds of food for the Kamloops Food Bank.

A model student, Panghli has already graduated high school, earning marks well above a 90% average despite taking a heavy course load and training for hockey. He is already enrolled in college courses.