Many Condors Dmen have attributed Manson for personal and group success. The Assistant Coach took the D core under his wing, allowing offensive defencemen the freedom to create plays, helping defensive rearguards protect the net and also teaching the intangibles required to become a long-time NHL player.
"I think he's helped me the most so far," praised Logan Day, the former Div. III defenceman who is third in American Hockey League rookie defence scoring with 27 points.
"He was a little lenient on me at the beginning. Then he sat me down one day and said, 'Alright, the funny business is over. I'm going to be in your face now. If you mess up, I'm going to be there for you telling you how to do it.'"
Manson challenged Day to become more defensively aware, and the improvements are showing. Over the Condors' 12-game winning streak, the 24-year-old is plus-eight with 11 points, tilting the ice in his club's favour on the attack or when securing the D-zone.
"We're always picking his mind and he's helping us get quicker and faster," added Day.
When Caleb Jones got his call-up to the Oilers, Manson was one of the first people he told. The second-year Condor attributes his defence coach for identifying the details required to become an NHLer.
"He's been a huge part of my game this year," Jones said.
"He trusted my offensive instincts and was kind of giving me free roam but he said defensively, it's going to be his way or nothing. There's no negotiating with him there."
Jones appeared in 17 matches with Edmonton, notching career goal No. 1 and adding five assists to go with it. It was a learning experience for the 2015 fourth-round selection and since re-joining the Condors, Manson's been available to fine-tune the skills Jones needs for the next step.
"I was able to see some success up there and obviously have some struggles, which was to be a little bit expected," continued Jones.
"He's just all about the details. If I miss a pass in practice, or if anyone misses a pass or box-out, he's right on you. He almost gets a little annoying with it but it's helpful and it goes such a long way."