Undeterred, Mangiapane went on to net 43 goals and 104 points in the 2014-15 campaign, catching plenty of scouts' eyes. While he still was small, he had added muscle onto his frame to become extremely proficient at protecting the puck and winning battles along the boards.
Add in puck-handling skill, an excellent shot and speed and it was easy to see the potential in the Bolton, Ont., native.
He ended up being selected 166th overall in 2015 by the Flames - the same draft position as another pint-sized Flames forward, Theo Fleury.
Mangiapane spent the 2015-16 campaign with Barrie, posting 51 goals and 106 points through 59 regular-season games and became just the third player in Colts' history to hit the 50-goal mark. In the playoffs, he chipped in 21 points in 15 games.
Following his impressive junior career, Mangiapane headed to Stockton to join the Heat for the 2016-17 season. Playing 66 games in the regular season, Mangiapane managed 41 points on the year, placing him fourth in team scoring. His 20 goals sat second amongst all Heat skaters, trailing only fellow rookie Mark Jankowski. He also was the Heat's most successful shooter in shootouts, netting two goals on three attempts.
