A candid soliloquy from GM Mango...Why I am how I am. - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Mango · 12-03-2006, 11:15 PM

Hello.

Most of you know me as Mango, general manager of the CPHL’s Vancouver Canucks. This is my fourth year as GM. I acquired this team in the summer of 2003, and little did I know what was required in being a CPHL GM. From the first day, I have believed the core of a good team is a mixture of veteran leadership, youth, strong goaltending, and physical play. Throughout the years, I have learned that this formula leads to finding the middle of the pack in the standings. In past seasons, I found success through a strong goaltending. During my rookie year as GM, Roman Cechmanek may have single-handedly clinched me a playoff berth. Last year, it was dark horse Radek Dvorak helped my team make the playoffs.

One characteristic that many other GMs may notice is the way I participate on the trade front. I have never been in a GM to trade just for the sake of trading. Sometimes this is a positive thing and other times, this is a negative thing. I'm very proud of the players I have drafted, played on my farm team, and eventually have made it as a regular. I am most proud Petr Prucha, Chris Kunitz, and Travis Zajac. These were three players that spent time on the farm team and that I didn't want to trade. Why? When I start something I want to finish it. Perhaps that is the reason I often have problems pulling the trigger on the deal.

What irks me most is a GM? When people try to take advantage of you in trade offers. I wasn't born yesterday and offering me five junk players for two good players from my team insulting. It pains me to think people assume I know nothing about players and their value. This is probably the most aggravating part of being a GM. Still you the truth, that's probably the only one.

One of my favorite things to do as GM is discussion with fellow GMs. I love to talk about hockey. Period. It has always been of passion of mine, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I like talking to other GMs about their potential deals in discussing the pros and cons of completing certain deals. I appreciate the trust and bond I've formed with some of these GMs.

The past few years have proved to be a time of change for the CPHL. When I look back to see what this league was when I first began in what it is now... I smile. It means a lot to be a part of such a well organized, well coordinated, and passionate league. My day is incomplete if I don't see the latest scores, the standings, or send in my lines.

I received a few comments on MSN messenger about my style as a GM and that I was slightly mysterious. I thought to myself “really?”. That is the main reason I thought I would put my thoughts into words. I appreciate everyone's honesty when dealing with issues pertaining to the league or even just discussing what is going on in our lives.

I appreciate your time. I don't think I've ever posted such a my opinion candidly, and therefore will just call it “Mango’s soliloquy”.

Sincerely,

MANGO

JiriHrdina · 12-03-2006, 11:24 PM

Any league needs GMs of all types. You'll have your traders, and you'll have your patient builders.

If everyone was a patient builder the league would be dull.
But if everyone was a rampant trader it would in my opinion seem too chaotic.

You gotta have that mix. For every "Dave" you need a "Mango" to keep the league balanced.

Mango · 12-04-2006, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

You gotta have that mix. For every "Dave" you need a "Mango" to keep the league balanced.

Most certainly. The one thing I hope is that my style is not hindering others and for other GMs to know, that I am approachable

jam26 · 12-04-2006, 05:32 AM

Nice write-up, Mango. We haven't made a lot of deals in the past but you've always been a pleasure to deal with and I appreciate your management style.

HalifaxDrunk · 12-04-2006, 06:15 AM

Nice soliloquy Mango.

I'm in the same boat as you, I'm not a crazy trader either. When I was GM last time I made only a handful of trades and ended up 3rd in the Howe Conference. This year I have only pulled the trigger once and I believe it was a great deal for me.

In
Mats Sundin 11G, 20A, +16
Alex Yashin 10G, 13A, +8

Out
Maxim Afinogenov 10G, 6A, +1 (with 2 teams)
Jason Allison 2G, 14A, -12
Nick Schultz 5G, 3A, -3 (with 2 teams)

So yes, through trades you can drastically improve your team, but you can also drastically hurt it. I like the way the Yotes are playing right now, I will make a deal if it seems right to me, but like you, I don't trade for the sake of trading.

Some GMs really enjoy moving players and that’s great for them, others like what they have and work with it. I don't think I could ever do a "total overhaul" Its fun to watch others rebuild, but its not for me.

No one on Phoenix is "untouchable" so I encourage everyone to keep inquiring about players, and I'll do the same.

That’s my 2 cents.

MJK · 12-04-2006, 07:16 AM

I like the way that GM's like Mango, HD, LOOOOB...play this game. They are patient but are still active at the same time. My rant the other day was not aimed at gm's like you guys becuase at least you will take your time and weigh both positives and negatives of a trade before you accpet or reject it.

Good post Mango, keep up the good work.

notoepik · 12-04-2006, 08:25 AM

It takes all kinds of GMs to make a league work Sandra.

This is the most patient I have ever been with my team. But I couldn't take it! I had to trade.

I don't think you should be insulted when you get a lowball off. Over the years, I have been on both ends of many of them LOL GMs just don't all have the same value for players. Last year when I traded Alex Mogilny to KG for Huselius, I thought it was an awesome deal for me. KG thought he got the last piece to his puzzle. I thought AMo was junk, KG was thrilled to have him.

Now lets talk about Zubie shall we? Meet you on MSN

Sylvanfan · 12-04-2006, 08:56 AM

Yeah, don't feel bad about getting those lowball trade offers. I can't believe how many people have the gumption to offer up a 4th round pick for a Jack Johnson, or some bum prospect and 6-3rd round picks for an Evgeny Malkin type player. I wish I had the nerve to want to blatently rape someone that blind, but I really don't have it. At least not in fantasy hockey....

Mango · 12-04-2006, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJK

I like the way that GM's like Mango, HD, LOOOOB...play this game. They are patient but are still active at the same time. My rant the other day was not aimed at gm's like you guys becuase at least you will take your time and weigh both positives and negatives of a trade before you accpet or reject it.

Good post Mango, keep up the good work.

Actually, it was your post that got me thinking Dave. That's a good thing, hehe. It helped me ponder things and realize where my place is in the grand scheme of CPHL "things".

Prototype · 12-04-2006, 09:45 AM

I still want Kunitz and Prucha, no matter how bad my offers are :P

Hanna Sniper · 12-04-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mango

I'm very proud of the players I have drafted, played on my farm team, and eventually have made it as a regular. I am most proud Petr Prucha, Chris Kunitz, and Travis Zajac. These were three players that spent time on the farm team in that I didn't want to trade.

Mccree · 12-04-2006, 04:05 PM

This is not smack. Kidding, Nice post

Mango · 12-04-2006, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanna Sniper

Wha?

The best CPHL motto I have is, any player is available in the right deal

Beerfund · 12-04-2006, 05:50 PM

Good post, I think you've done a decent job building up the Canucks. You inherited a team which was left in pretty rough shape. Training ground for a GM which left and returned, I'll leave his name out of respect. But the PROTtOTYPE you were left with was a scaled down version of most CPHL teams. An attempt to go for it all, left the cupboard pretty bare. Most likely how the Canadiens will look this summer.