The Manchester Monarchs remain undefeated for the 2019 calendar year, getting January off to a quick start.
Here’s a recap for the first week of 2018 in Monarchs Country.
Friday, Jan. 4: Manchester 5, Adirondack 4 (road – OT)
Saturday, Jan. 5: Manchester 2, Reading 1 (home – OT)
Sunday, Jan. 6: Manchester 7, Norfolk 5 (home)
After three straight wins, Manchester’s out of the basement, but they’ve still got a long way to go if playoff hockey is in their future this season.
As of Monday, the Monarchs hold fifth place in the ECHL’s North Division with 36 points, three behind fourth-place Maine.
It’s unclear if this pace can continue, but the general consensus on New Year’s Eve is that something needed to change, or the season would be over for all intents and purposes.
The Monarchs responded, and according to Monarchs head coach Doug Christiansen, their continued response has come from increased stability.
A large portion of that stability comes from the transaction wire. Manchester’s only major roster loss this week came in the form of Craig Wysomirski, sent in a loan to Utica (AHL). Another key part of that stability comes from captain David Kolomatis.
Named to the ECHL All-Star Game this week, Christiansen says that Kolomatis was crucial in calming the locker room after a tough first period on Friday night. It didn’t hurt that he had three points this week either.
“He really settled the room on Friday and I think that was critical,” said Christiansen. “Plus, he’s on track for his best season yet in six seasons in Manchester, and that’s really saying something.”
Manchester’s power play also continues to slowly improve as well, adding a pair on Sunday against Norfolk. They still have a ways to go in that department at only 13 percent, but at the very least, they’re no longer dead last in the league.
The Monarchs hope to continue their recent success with games this week on the road against Adirondack (Tuesday, Jan. 8 – 7 p.m.) and Worcester (Sunday, Jan. 13 – 3:05 p.m.) as well as a contest at home against Reading (Friday, Jan. 11 – 7 p.m.)
Three Stars
Top Star: Cory Ward (2 goals, 3 assists, +3, 11 shots on goal)
Second Star: Nic Pierog (2 goals, 1 assist, -2, 10 shots on goal)
Third Star: Daniil Miromanov (1 goal, 2 assists, +3, 9 shots on goal)