ECHL: Utah Grizzlies Re-Sign Luke Manning

The Utah Grizzlies have announced that they have re-signed 5’10” forward Luke Manning for the 2025-26 season.

Junior and Collegiate Career

Luke Manning started his junior career in the 2016-17 season, where he played in one game with the Minot Minotauros in the NAHL. Manning then joined the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL for two seasons. In 113 games with the Buccaneers, Manning had 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points with 74 penalty minutes and a +1. He had one goal and two assists with 21 penalty minutes in five playoff games.

Manning then started his collegiate career playing one season of Division I hockey at Air Force Academy. In 35 games, he had eight goals and four assists for 12 points with 12 penalty minutes and a -9.

The Stillwater, Minnesota native then entered the transfer portal, where he found himself a spot at the University of St. Thomas, where he spent four seasons, serving as an alternate captain for the Tommies in his junior, senior, and fifth year seasons. In his first season at St. Thomas, the Tommies were playing at the Division III level before they were bumped up to Division I hockey in the 2021-22 season. In 117 games with the Tommies, Manning registered 24 goals and 21 assists for 45 points with 40 penalty minutes.

Professional Career

After completing his collegiate career, Manning signed with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies to finish his 2023-24 season. Manning has played in 81 games with the Grizzlies. Manning has 20 goals and 27 assists for 47 points with 24 penalty minutes and a -6. In the 2024-25 season, Manning played in 67 games, where he had 18 goals and 21 assists for 39 points.

“I’m excited for the season to start! We’ve got a great group coming back and are ready to make a run to the Kelly Cup! Can’t wait to play in front of Grizzly fans again at the Mav,” says Manning. 
-Manning on re-signing with the Grizzlies (Via Utah Grizzlies Press Release)

Luke Manning is a very skilled forward who has started to find his game in the ECHL. He is able to read the ice really well, allowing him to find ways to set up his teammates to score and even score himself. As Manning continues to play in the ECHL, he should continue to develop and find success on offense.