Title

Mancuso, Felix

Type

Athlete

Sport

English Hockey

Inducted

2023

Description

Felix Anthony “Gus” Mancuso (1914 – 2003) was a professional ice hockey forward who played 42 games in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers. He began his career in the OHA playing for the Niagara Falls Cataracts in 1933, turning pro the next year and playing with the famed Hershey B’Ars. Felix was a fan favourite in Hershey; a news report back then called him, “one of the most colourful players ever to perform with Hershey.” The article added that, “he [was] just a small fellow but he [was] in there all the time and absorb[ed] plenty of punishment.”

Felix was the fourth Niagara Falls native to play in the NHL, and he signed his first contract with the Canadiens in 1937. He played 23 games with the Habs, over three seasons, recording one goal and one assist wearing the #15. Felix’s rights were sold to the New York Rangers in 1942, with whom he played his final season in the NHL. He played in 21 games in 1943-43, and contributed six goals and fourteen points.

Unfortunately, Felix never found out if he finally could be an NHL regular player. He was called upon by the Canadian military for World War II military service, losing two full seasons. Upon his return in 1945, he moved to California and played four seasons in the new rendition of the Pacific Coast Hockey League with the Hollywood Wolves and the Los Angeles Monarchs. Felix had the opportunity to play along the famed Bill Barilko, Cowboy Tom Anderson, and Bob Gracie, as well as have Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby regularly attend his games.

Felix was released in 1949, bringing an end to his hockey career. He fell in love with the California sunshine, and stayed there with his wife Marion until he passed away in 2003 at the age of 89.

Subject

Awards

Portraits - Biographical

Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall of Fame

Sports - Recreation - Leisure