ECHL Manchester Monarchs

Monarchs Game Day Capsule - American Pride Night

Published on March 5, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Manchester Monarchs News Release


HEAD-TO-HEAD - The Monarchs and Solar Bears meet in the middle game of their three-game series tonight, and for the fifth time this season. The Monarchs hold a 3-0-1-0 record against Orlando after dropping an overtime matchup last night. In the season series, the Monarchs have outscored the Solar Bears, 12-7, with the last two contests going past regulation time.

WHERE WE STAND - The Monarchs (76 points) start tonight six points clear of the Adirondack Thunder in the East Division, and trail only the Toledo Walleye (79 points) for tops in the Eastern Conference. With their win last night, Orlando (56 points) jumped into 10th place in the conference, six points from a playoff spot.

AMERICAN PRIDE NIGHT - The Monarchs and AutoFair will celebrate their annual American Pride Night this evening at the Verizon Wireless Arena. The game will honor our nation's armed forces, police, fire and EMT personnel. Medal of Honor recipient, Staff Sargent Ryan Pitts, will drop the ceremonial first puck, and limited edition red, white and blue mini sticks will be given out to the first 4,000 fans in attendance, courtesy of NH1 and Monkey Sports.

LEGENDS ON THE ICE - Prior to tonight's game with Orlando, the Boston Bruins Alumni team will play a special game against a team of New Hampshire veterans. Ray Bourque, Rick Middleton and Kenny Hodge headline the Bruins Alumni roster, and Bob Sweeney and Terry Robinson will be the coaches for the Bruins. Doors will open at 4 p.m. to any ticket holder to see this once in a lifetime game.

FREE HOCKEY - When the Monarchs and Solar Bears meet, there is a good chance the game will not be decided during regulation. With last night's overtime game, the Monarchs have played in 15 games that have gone past 60 minutes, tied for 3rd in the league. Orlando similarly often needs extra time, as they have played in 14 overtime matches, tied for 4th in the ECHL. Overtime has been good to the Monarchs as they have grabbed 24 points when they play past regulation, adding up to 80% of possible points earned in those contests.

FIGHTING FOR TEAMMATES - Rookie defenseman, Josh Brown, has played in 45 games for the Monarchs between call-ups to the Portland Pirates (AHL), but when he is in the lineup, Brown has no problem standing up for himself or teammates on the ice. The first-year blue-liner has recorded 7 fighting majors this season, 2nd in the league amongst rookie skaters.

SPECIAL ON THE ROAD - The Monarchs will try to stay out of the penalty box tonight as Orlando boasts the 2nd best road power play in the ECHL, converting on 22.5% of their opportunities away from the Amway Center. By comparison, the Solar Bears are 22nd in the league at 13.3% at home. When Orlando is on the penalty kill they are dangerous as well, scoring the second most shorthanded goals (10) in the league, but have scored only two of those on the road.

SHOOTING GALLERY - The Monarchs always look to pepper opposing goaltenders, but against Orlando, the task might be a bit easier. The Monarchs, as they have for most of the season, lead the ECHL in shots on goal per game, averaging 35.12 pucks on net. There should be little resistance from Orlando who gives up 35.33 shots per game, second-most in the entire ECHL.

Orlando Solar Bears (24-22-3-5) at Monarchs (35-16-2-4)

Saturday, March 5, 2016 - 7 p.m. - Verizon Wireless Arena

MONARCHS POINTS LEADERS

Joey Diamond: 41 points (15g, 26a)

Yann Sauvé: 28 points (7g, 21a)

Derek Arnold: 25 points (14g, 11a)

MONARCHS GOALTENDING LEADERS

Doug Carr: 8-5-0-4, 2.75 GAA, 0.917 save %

Michael Houser: 8-3-1-0, 2.66 GAA, 0.911 save %

SOLAR BEARS POINTS LEADERS

Brady Vail: 47 points (17g, 30a)

T.J. Foster: 39 points (19g, 20a)

Jack Rodewald: 34 points (13g, 21a)

SOLAR BEARS GOALTENDING LEADERS

Rob Madore: 10-13-2-4, 3.11 GAA, 0.914 save %

Ryan Massa: 13-9-1-1, 2.91 GAA, 0.913 save %

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