by Dan Carle
The nomadic Mangos has played the game all over the world and has found a home in Dundas
Cambridge, ON – “I got my education paid for through hockey and travelled around and saw the world because of hockey.” Simon Mangos – father, Real McCoys team captain, lifelong skater, master speaker extraordinaire – plays on.
Make no mistake: The pipes are every bit as polished as the blades.“I get it all the time,” said the baritone, unsurprised. “I’ve married people. For work, I do tons of speaking engagements and information sessions. Everyone keeps telling me I should be on the radio.”
Luckily being an offensive defenceman on the radio isn’t as fun as being one on the ice – a benefit for the Real McCoys. The former Bulldog (Ferris State NCAA 2000 – 03), Salmon King (Victoria ECHL 2005), Phoenix (England pro league 2006, 07) and Mudbug (Bossier-Shreveport CHL 2008-10) skates into his 10th season with Dundas, the longest stop along a lifetime in the game.
“That makes me feel old,” said Mangos, a product design engineer for a plastics company.
“Having the opportunity to play and live in another country – it’s not like going on vacation. Having an ability to function within that society is a different kind of life experience.
“Having that has really impacted how I view the world.”
In Dundas, Mangos, born and living in Cambridge, is home.
“I have a “C” on my shirt but that whole room is full of guys who have been a captain their whole life. It’s pretty easy to captain a group of guys like that.”
A son of Greek immigrants, Mangos first season in Allan Cup Hockey resulted in a joyous Real McCoys national title in 2014. Mike Mole, a first-time starting goaltender for the team, was selected tournament MVP.
A second national title came following a 5-3 comeback win over the Clarenville Ford Caribous in the April 22, 2023 final at J.L. Grightmire Arena.
Mangos hockey miles in ACH are marked in championships, and – like a height chart in the kitchen – through the growth of his daughter. “The first year when we won it she was very young. She was at the game this year. She’s 14 now – and it was cool to see her experience it. “She knows a lot of the training staff, and Donnie (Robertson). It’s cool that they’ve seen her grow up as well .”
Ask many if not all of the Real McCoys skaters what keeps them coming back despite in some cases the life calendar flipping to the mid-40s, and the answer is nearly universal. “The family atmosphere,” said Mangos. “It’s a real group effort and it’s noticed, for sure. “Drop your bag off and you’ve got a stall there. Towels are there. Shampoo is there. Pack your bags for road games. It really is truly amazing. It’s run as well as some of the pro teams that I’ve played for.”
With the possibility of a third Allan Cup championship, to be contested in Dundas in April, 2024, Mangos is as ready to go as ever – with respect to the calendar that says he’s 43.
“I am a little bit older. A little heavier. Maybe a little slower,” said Mangos, in stereophonic clarity. Play a little smarter. Maybe take a few less risks that you don’t have to.”
When and how it ends – it’s been year-to-year for the last three seasons, he says – the captain will have had quite the ride.
“I got my education paid for through hockey and travelled around and saw the world because of hockey.”
About the Ontario Hockey Association
The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) was founded on November 27, 1890, and is the governing body for the majority of Junior and Senior hockey in the Province of Ontario. The OHA is a Member Partner of the Ontario Hockey Federation which is one of thirteen Provincial and Regional Branches of Hockey Canada.
It is comprised of three Junior hockey leagues and two Senior hockey leagues: Junior A – Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior B – Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior C – Provincial Junior Hockey League, Senior – Allan Cup Hockey (AAA) and Ontario Elite Hockey League (AA). For the 2023-24 season, these five leagues encompass 125 teams.
The objectives of the OHA are to foster and encourage the sport of amateur hockey, to conduct competition in the various categories established, to determine teams for entry into the inter-branch competitions that may be provided by Hockey Canada, and to provide for the affiliation of other hockey organizations.
The OHA provides administrative resources, coordinates programs, services and events for hockey participants and provides support to various Development Programs for coaches, officials, trainers and players, Safety and Risk Management Issues and offers resources for Harassment and Abuse education.
-30-
For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Chris McCleary
General Manager, Operations & Marketing
Ontario Hockey Association
