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ECHL Manchester Monarchs

Monarchs Weekend Preview

November 30, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Manchester Monarchs News Release


WEEK IN REVIEW

The Monarchs came out of their four-game week with six points, dropping their only game to Atlanta, Tuesday evening, and then beating the Gladiators on Thanksgiving night. The Monarchs then traveled to Norfolk and took two games from the Admirals Friday and Saturday.

Tuesday evening, the Monarchs took on the Atlanta Gladiators in Duluth, Ga., after a 22-hour bus trip from Manchester. The Gladiators got off to a fast start, scoring in the first 10 minutes of the game, and then added a second goal, 1:02 later. Austin Block would go on to score his first goal of the season to bring the Monarchs within one, but Atlanta struck back with a goal of their own to push the lead back to two goals. Tony Turgeon didn't let the deficit last long, scoring the first goal of his professional career, but it wasn't enough, as the Monarchs fell, 3-2.

The two teams played again Thanksgiving night, this time with the Monarchs coming out with the 3-2 victory. The Monarchs again fell behind Atlanta in the first period, when Ian Barteaux scored his first of the season. Zac Larraza leveled the score, netting his 7th goal of the season on a nifty backhand that beat Atlanta goaltender, Andy Iles. Yann Sauvé added to the Monarchs lead when he scored his 2nd goal of the season in the second period. The lead didn't last long, as Atlanta rallied back with a goal from Derek Nesbitt. David Kolomatis put the Monarchs ahead for good, scoring his 4th of the year on the power play, giving the Monarchs the 3-2 lead. Colin Stevens won his second game of the season.

The Black Friday craziness wasn't exclusive to shopping malls, as the Monarchs and Norfolk Admirals found themselves in a barn burner at Scope Arena. Norfolk got on the board first when newly signed Nicolas Blanchard broke the ice. Matt White scored his team-leading 9th goal to tie things up for the Monarchs at 6:08 of the first, and then Stefan Legein scored in his first game back from sitting out five games, to push the Monarchs lead to 2-1 in the second period. Legein found the net again at 14:19 and Kolomatis found twine to put the Monarchs up 4-1. Norfolk wouldn't go quietly, scoring three unanswered goals to tie the game up at 7:49 of the third period. Legein completed his first North American hat-trick at 10:25, but Norfolk answered again, scoring at 17:54 of the third. After a scoreless overtime period that saw both teams get power play chances, the game headed to a shootout. Kolomatis scored in the third round on a do-or-die chance, and then Michael Boivin put the game on ice, scoring in the 7th round. Monarchs goalie, Michael Houser, came up with some big saves in the shootout to record his 8th win.

Saturday night was a bit tamer, but the Monarchs still had to fight off another late comeback from the Admirals to win, 4-3. Once again, the Monarchs gave up the first goal of the game, this time in the second period. Boivin brought the Monarchs back to even, scoring his 3rd of the season, and Matt White put the Monarchs up, 2-1, when he scored his 10th of the season and 60th goal of his professional career. A late goal from Norfolk squared the game heading into the third period. Two rookies gave the Monarchs a two-goal lead again, as Zac Larraza (8) and Matt Leitner (5) each scored goals. Norfolk would make things interesting with a goal at 19:07 with their goalie pulled, but couldn't complete the comeback. Colin Stevens earned his third consecutive victory in the win.

WHERE WE STAND

The Monarchs head into the week in second place in the East Division with 24 points, after taking six of eight possible points this past week. The Monarchs are currently one of the hottest teams in the ECHL, recording victories in nine of their past 12 games.

READING FOR THE FIRST TIME

The Reading Royals make their first ever trip to the Verizon Wireless Arena over the weekend. The Royals are the ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and are currently in fourth place (19 pts.) in the East Division. The road hasn't been friendly to the Royals, as they sport a 2-4-0-0 record away from Santander Arena, and head into the weekend series with an overall record of 9-8-0-1.

LEADING THE WAY

Matt White continues to lead the Monarchs in scoring after posting six points (2g, 4a) last week, for a season total of 22 points (10g, 12a). Matt Leitner (5g, 14a = 19) and Maxim Kitsyn (6g, 9a = 15) round out the top-3 in point scorers.

YANN AND YOU'LL MISS SOMETHING

Monarchs defenseman, Yann Sauvé, has been on a tear since being assigned to the team by the Portland Pirates on Nov. 12. The former 2nd round draft pick (41st overall) has solidified a defensive pairing with David Kolomatis, but more surprisingly, has contributed offensively. Sauvé is currently riding a seven-game point streak, which is the longest streak in the ECHL this season. During the streak, Sauvé has recorded one goal and eight assists.

ROOKS LOOKING LIKE KINGS

Two youngsters on the Monarchs roster haven't been playing like rookies, as Matt Leitner and Zac Larraza have had impressive starts to their professional careers. Leitner currently ranks second in rookie scoring (19 pts.), only one point behind the league leaders, and his 14 assists leads all ECHL rookies. Leitner posted a 3-13-15 line in November, scoring two game-winning-goals in the process.

Larazza has been hot recently, scoring five goals in his last six games. Despite being called up by Portland and missing five games with the Monarchs, Larraza currently sits in second place in rookie goal scoring, trailing the league leader by one goal.

TICKETS

The Monarchs return to the Jungle Dec. 4 (7 p.m.), as they host the Reading Royals for the first time this season and will hold their annual Toys for Tots Drive. Fans are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys for children and families in need this holiday season.

Saturday, Dec. 5 (7 p.m.) is Star Wars Night at the Verizon Wireless Arena. Get ready for Episode VII, The Force Awakens, with the Monarchs. Specialty jerseys will be worn and available for auction and your favorite characters will be in attendance!

Sunday, Dec. 6 (3 p.m.) is the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Monarchs fans are asked to bring teddy bears to throw on the ice after the Monarchs score their first goal. All stuffed animals will be collected and donated to the local charities for children in need. Santa Claus will be in attendance as well, and fans are encouraged to get their pictures taken with St. Nick on the concourse!

To purchase tickets visit ManchesterMonarchs.com or contact the Front Office at 603-626-7825!

Visit us at ManchesterMonarchs.com, follow the team @MonarchsHockey, and like us on Facebook for additional information.

GAMES

Friday, Dec. 4, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 6, 3:00 p.m.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS WITH READING

Last Game - Have not played

This Season - 0-0-0-0

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