The Illinois State Redbirds welcome Brian Manns to the family!
Manns, a 5’10″ 150 lb. forward is a Homer Glen, IL native. He will join the Redbirds in the 2024-25 season after playing for the Chicago Hawks U18 team in the CSDHL division.
Brian explained that he chose ISU because, “When I first visited Illinois State I immediately felt at home. Growing up an only child I’ve always felt extremely close with my family. With ISU being close to home it allows me to stay close to my family and makes it easier for my parents to watch me develop under the excellent hockey program ISU has to offer.” He intends to major in marketing.
“My favorite coaches Coach Jonathan Cannizzo and Coach Mikhail Yakubov. Throughout the years with their guidance, I have been able to grow into the hockey player and man I am today,” Manns stated. When asked who his biggest supporter was, Brian says it is his parents. Manns stated that his biggest goal was, “the overtime game winner in the state championship my 14u year.” Manns also mentioned that his biggest assist was, “a pass to fellow Redbird commit JP Teichman, in which he scored to send us to the state championship our 16u year.” Brian expressed his favorite hockey memory was winning three State Championships and going to Nationals twice.
Manns expressed that he is looking forward to becoming a part of the successful hockey program Illinois State has. Brian’s favorite food is spaghetti. When asked what animal Brian would want to be, he stated, “a lion because they are strong, powerful and an unmatched mentality.”
“Brian is another top end player with National Championship experience from the Chicago Hawks organization. We fully expect him to have an immediate impact for the program.” – D2 Head Coach Phil Fazio.
Manns will join former teammate Michael Ryndak and current teammates Cooper Darovic and JP Teichman as the most recent members of the Redbird family from the Chicago Hawks program.
If you’re interested in playing for ISU Hockey, we encourage you to fill out our Recruit Form under the team tab on our website!