Troy Mann focuses on structure and standards with Kingston Frontenacs

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For Kingston Frontenacs head coach Troy Mann, this season has been about continuing to set standards, trusting his team’s structure, and finding ways to stay competitive even when the offence hasn’t come easily.

“We’ve really built this team from the back end out,” Mann said. “Offensively, it’s been a struggle at times, and I think that’s why we’ve had some losing streaks. We went through a nine-game stretch where we only scored 16 goals, and it’s tough to win hockey games like that.”

Despite those challenges, Kingston has leaned on its defensive play and goaltending to remain competitive.

Matthew Minchak, who is tied for third in the OHL with a .919 save percentage, has given the Frontenacs a reliable goaltending tandem alongside rookie Gavin Betts.

Minchak, an 18-year-old undrafted free agent, is 10-10-2 with a 2.52 goals-against average in 23 games.

Betts has made 24 appearances this season. The 17-year-old helped Team Canada win bronze at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup this summer and was selected by the Frontenacs in the second round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

“Both of our young goalies have been good, especially Matthew,” Mann said. “He was a nice find by (GM Kory Cooper) over the summer, and he’s really turned some heads and opened some NHL eyes.”

At 6-foot-5, Minchak’s size and play have drawn the attention of scouts. The Cranford, New Jersey native is committed to Colgate University.

Both netminders were listed on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

Minchak has enjoyed playing within Mann’s structure.

“He’s a very detailed systems coach, and we’ve got a great system in Kingston,” Minchak said. “His biggest thing for me is just to make saves.”

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Mann sees Kingston’s defensive structure reflected in the analytics.

“Defensively, we do a good job protecting the middle of the ice. Our defensive numbers and metrics are really strong analytically,” he said. “When we get to three or four goals, we give ourselves a good chance to win.”

The Frontenacs’ size on the back end has helped them allow the fifth-fewest goals against in the Eastern Conference. Controlling the neutral zone has become a fundamental part of Kingston’s identity.

“If you can control the neutral zone, especially in this league and in junior hockey, everybody wants to make plays at the blue line,” Mann said. “I think if you can really be structured through the neutral zone, you can do a lot of damage. That’s kind of the philosophy. We can hopefully turn some pucks over in the neutral zone and then take advantage.”

Mann knows structure and strong defensive play are only part of the equation. Ultimately, it has to translate into wins.

“At the end of the day, you evaluate on wins and losses,” Mann said. “It’s a little different at this level because development is such a big part of it.”

In his first full season in major junior, Mann led the club to a 40-20-5-3 record, the sixth-best in the league. He also set a franchise record with 16 consecutive home wins and guided the team to a second-round playoff appearance.

Last year marked just the fifth time in franchise history, dating back to the 1989-90 season, that the club reached the 40-win mark.

“The goal of the organization is certainly to make the playoffs,” Mann said. “You want to finish as high as you can, and you know how it is in the playoffs. You get in there, play well defensively, get some good goaltending, and if you’re well structured, anything is possible.”