Monarchs Weekly Preview
November 23, 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 Elmira, Wednesday morning, and then sweeping a three-game weekend series with the Norfolk Admirals at the Verizon Wireless Arena. The Monarchs have now won 5-of-7 games dating back to Nov. 13.
Wednesday morning for the annual "Education Day" game, the Monarchs lost for the first time this season against the Elmira Jackals, 2-1. The game saw the Monarchs outshoot the Jackals 47-19, but the Monarchs couldn't figure out Elmira goaltender, Niklas Lundstrom. Elmira jumped out to a 2-0 lead heading to the third period on goals by Spiro Goulakos and Scott Jacklin, and it proved to be too much for the Monarchs to overcome. Derek Arnold (4) brought Manchester within one goal with 4:30 remaining in the game, but the Monarchs could not tie the game up with goalie, Michael Houser, pulled for the extra attacker.
Friday night, the Monarchs welcomed the Norfolk Admirals to the Jungle for the first time this season, and first as members of the ECHL. Michael Houser was the story of the game, as the goaltender made 45 saves on 46 shots for the win. Michael Boivin started the scoring for the Monarchs, notching his 2nd goal of the season and Matt Leitner scored the eventual game-winning-goal early into the third period. Norfolk would cut the lead to 2-1 with 10 minutes remaining in the game, but Houser would not be beaten again.
Saturday evening, Monarchs rookie goalie, Colin Stevens, earned his first professional win (1-3-0-0) behind a five-goal offensive outburst. Matt White got the Monarchs off to a fast start, scoring his 8th of the season on a breakaway chance. Alex Roach made the lead 2-1 with a one-timer slap shot from the right point midway through the second period. Norfolk would score their only goal of the night with 6:17 remaining in the middle frame, when Tommy Mele beat Stevens for his lone blemish of the night. The Monarchs fought back to extend their lead when David Kolomatis scored his 4th of the season to push the Monarchs back to a two-goal lead heading into the third period. Joe Diamond (5) and Zac Larraza (4) both found the back of the net to put the game out of reach for the Admirals.
Sunday saw Houser back in the pipes, and the goaltender picked up where he left off Friday night. Houser took his second win of the weekend, with Larraza and Maxim Kitsyn each scoring two goals in the game. Larraza's two goals pushed his point streak to four games (4g, 2a).
GEORGIA ON MY MIND
The Monarchs make their first visit to the state of Georgia in franchise history, as they take on the Atlanta Gladiators in Duluth, Ga., for two games. The Monarchs hit the ice Tuesday for a 7:05 p.m. start, and again on Thanksgiving night (7:05 p.m.). The Gladiators (7-6-1-0) are the ECHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins, and are currently in 4th place in the South Division with 15 points. Home ice hasn't been friendly to the Gladiators, as they sport a 2-4-0-0 record in Duluth as opposed to a 5-2-1-0 record away from the Infinite Energy Arena.
FAMILIAR FOES = BAD BLOOD
Manchester will play the Norfolk Admirals for the fourth and fifth times this season in a nine-day span. The division rivals will play each other four more times after this weekend, splitting two-game home stands. The Admirals (5-12-0-0) will be happy to be back in the Norfolk Scope Arena where they boast a 4-2-0-0 record, opposed to their 1-10-0-0 showing on the road. Some bad blood might be forming amongst these two teams, as there were 51 penalties called in the three games in Manchester, amounting to 154 penalty minutes, including 12 fighting majors.
LEADING THE WAY
Matt White leads the Monarchs in scoring for a second straight week with 16 points on eight goals and eight assists. Matt Leitner (4g, 10a=14) is close behind with Maxim Kitsyn surging into third on the team with 13 points (6g, 7a). Leitner remains in the top-5 in the ECHL in rookie scoring, and Josh Brown is tied for first in rookie plus/minus at +10.
PROTECTING THE HOUSE
In the last four games, Monarchs goalies, Michael Houser and Colin Stevens, are a combined 3-1-0, with a 0.947 save percentage and 1.51 GAA. The pair only let in six goals in those games, and stopped 107 of 113 shots, with Houser stopping 42 on Friday night.
LARRAZA FINDING HIS FOOTING
Rookie forward, Zac Larraza has been on a tear since being returned from loan by the Portland Pirates (AHL). Larraza has seven points in seven games (3g,4a) and is currently riding a four-game point streak.
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!
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.
Monarchs (9-6-0-0) at Atlanta Gladiators (7-6-1-0)
November 24 & 26 - Infinite Energy Arena
Monarchs (9-6-0-0) at Norfolk Admirals (5-12-0-0)
November 27 & 28 - Norfolk Scope Arena
Media Contact: Matt Johnson (mjohnson@manchestermonarchs.com)
GAMES
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 7:05 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 26, 7:05 p.m. (Thanksgiving)
Friday, Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS WITH ATLANTA
Last Game - Have not played
This Season - 0-0-0-0
PREVIOUS MEETINGS WITH NORFOLK
Last Game - 4-2 Win, Nov. 22
This Season - 3-0-0-0
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