Photo Credit: Reading Royals
There will be many questions facing this young Reading Royals team come the new season. Some questions range from how will they respond after a tough playoff series with the Newfoundland Growlers? Are the Royals more prepared to start the new season given the understanding with more experience of how the coaching staff wants them to play? These are some very valid questions that people have.
With that being said, another winger has agreed in principle to return to the Royals this coming season, and that is none other than Yvan Mongo. Mongo stands at 5’9 and weighs 187 pounds, and has all the skills to be a Lehigh Valley Phantom in the future, “I know the coaching staff, and the area I’m comfortable there,” Mongo said to Jamey Baskow in an exclusive interview as to why he is returning to Reading. “I’m happy to come back.”
Mongo continued, “It means a lot to hear this from my teammates, this means a lot. Life is good.” People have spoken highly about Mongo, and that he is a hard worker. He trains, trains, trains in Montreal, CAN during the offseason, and he says it is beautiful there. He is from Gatineau, QC, CAN, so there is familiarity within the area.
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This 26-year old, prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him last season. His season was affected through injuries, but he did come back from said injuries. Moreover, he worked very hard in the offseason, and was able to improve his game tremendously for what turned out to be a very good 2022-23 season for not only him, but for the Royals, as well, when healthy, “I think part of it was getting used to that play, and how they wanted us to play,” Mongo said of the new coaching staff. “We got it together and went on a run for a little bit.”
There is little doubt that Mongo agreed to re-sign, not only because he believes in the team, but there is familiarity with his teammates and coaching staff. Now he hopes to have a good 2023-24 campaign, finally 100% and able to contribute in a big way for the Royals.
The University of Ottawa product, Mongo just wants to show people he belongs in the sport. If one has seen him play these past few seasons, then they would have noticed his silky hands, and overall solid speed. He knows he has to work on decision making, but what Mongo possesses is a high hockey IQ, to pair with his good passing abilities.
“My parents (When asked who defined him in the sport of hockey). I went through tough times, and my parents were my biggest support systems. And those systems helped me become a hockey player.” – Mongo said to Jamey Baskow in an exclusive interview
Hopefully, Mongo continues to mold himself into a fine hockey hockey player. His unselfish attitude cannot be taught, as Mongo appears to have a good head on his shoulders. The best is yet to come for Mongo and his family, but he is determined to be a leader for this young Royals team in 2023-24.
