The #1 Fans
a
Website
Dedicated To
The Manchester Monarchs
A Fan Site By A Fan and For The
Fans. A Fan Site
Like No Other !
The # 1 Fans of The Month
2004-2005 Season
JANUARY 2005
Monarchsfanclub.com Salutes a Very Special Monarchs Fan !
DECEMBER 2004
Monarchsfanclub.com Salutes a Very Special Monarchs Fan !

Merry Christmas from Monarchs Fan, Rob
Reno in Iraq
( click on image to see a larger
view of this photo )
Monarchs Fans are found in many locations across this world. They are found right here in NH with families and friends. They are also found across the US and Canada. Some are even found scattered across the world and still find ways to keep tabs and follow the Monarchs.
However, there are some Very Special Monarchs Fans that find themselves away from their homes, families, friends and Monarchs who are facing danger on a daily basis. They have found themselves in harm's way and are sacrificing their lives performing their duty in foreign lands while serving our country in the military and as civilians yet still have the desire to follow the Monarchs.
I am proud to say that one of those Very Special Monarchs' Fans, Rob Reno, who I never met before, contacted me and sent the photo above expressing a Holiday Greeting from Iraq and a Special Message for the Monarchs from all the men & women from NH serving in Iraq! Rob should be home sometime around January and states he can't wait to get back and attend the Monarchs games and functions with his wife Ruthie.
NOVEMBER 2004
Monarchsfanclub.com Salutes a Very Special Monarchs Fan !
![]() YVONNE |
||
|
Monarchsfanclub.com salutes YVONNE, a 90 year old fan, who travels from Mason. NH to faithfully root on the Monarchs from her seat in Section 101 with help from her son Roland ! |
2003-2004 Season
FEBRUARY 2004
February
2004 # 1 Fan(s) of the Month
There's No Place Like Home, But There's Also No Place Like Hockeyville
Usually the MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fan selection spotlights one person who catches our attention during the season! This month we are choosing One, but within the One, there are Many, and from the Many, shine 4 who reside in the Concord, NH area. So with that riddle of an introduction completed, I am proud to announce the February # 1 Fan(s) of the Month, "Hockeyville", but more specifically, Matt & Tonya Barrington, Andy & Shelly Barrington !
It is only fitting that Hockeyville be our # 1 Fans this month, as our selected # 1 Player of the month is Jeff Giuliano, The "Mayor of Hockeyville". Inquiring minds wanted to know and I wanted to know where the Mayor of Hockeyville came from, and for that matter where Hockeyville came from. Well I found out!
Shelly explained the story behind the story as follows. Apparently Tonya started calling Jeff Giuliano the Mayor because his name was so close to the former Mayor of New York city, Rudy Giuliani. It was only reasonable that the new Mayor Jeff Giuliano be a mayor of someplace and as a result Andy came up with the perfect location, Hockeyville! Shelly made the Mayor of Hockeyville sign that we see at the Monarchs games. So there you have it, tada!
Obviously Hockeyville has a special fondness for Jeff Giuliano, but also for all the Manchester Monarchs as well. Like many fans, each has their favorite player. Shelly and Andy's favorite is Rullier. Matt's favorite is Parros. Tonya's favorite is a tie between Giuliano and Parros. However, Tonya's true favorite is Eric Healey. Although no longer with the Monarchs, Tonya will always be an Eric Healey fan.
Besides the enjoyment of simply going to see a good Monarchs game, they admit they also like to see the occasional good fight. Also right up there is having the Monarchs score a goal so they all can get into the triumphant Goal Cheer and SIV Chant.
Whenever you see these Hockeyville fans, you'll always find them enthusiastic in their cheering wherever they may be watching the Monarchs, be it from a suite, the lounge or their season ticket seats in section 116! In addition to attending the home games, you may also find Andy, Shelly, Matt and Tonya at the Open Practices, the Meet & Greets, Cahoots and as many away games as they can get to. I can't forget to mention the great time at the Monarchs 70's Night Bash and how these 4 really got into it. Just checkout that photo above!
So if you happen to run into any of the Hockeyville crew at a game or find yourself around section 116, stop by and be sure to say Hi because they are really cool fans!
So, from one proud Monarchs Fan to four really cool # 1 Fans and residents of Hockeyville . . Congratulations on being selected as the MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fans of The Month (February 2004) ... Joe Z.
# # # #
JANUARY 2004
January 2004 # 1 Fan of the Month
A # 1 Fan that I am a # 1 Fan Of !
There are MANY Monarchs Fans that show up at a Monarchs game throughout the season which presents quite a task to narrow down the search for a # 1 Fan selection. How many times do we look for something all over the place only to find it right under our noses? Well, this is the case in my selection for January's # 1 Fan of the Month !
This month I selected a # 1 Fan that I have had the privilege to sit next to everyday for 24 years! This fan has been right under MY nose all this time and it is with great pride that I present my January's # 1 Fan of the Month, Jan Zalgenas.
Jan is the reason this website exists today. It was her idea to get Monarchs tickets at the start of the inaugural season when I was humming and hawing that it probably wouldn't be the same as the Bruin's games I grew up watching at the Boston Gardens when I was a kid. As usual Jan was right and I was wrong because the Monarchs games are so much better than the games I remembered from my younger days. As a result, we have become avid fans of the Monarchs, loyal season ticket holders, and the creators and eyes and ears of this # 1 Fan website that many have repeatedly visited and enjoyed!
It is not uncommon to see Jan at each Monarchs home game taking photos of the team during pre-game warm-ups from the area of section 105, or taking more photos throughout the game from her regular seat in section 118. It amazes me how she can manage to keep peering through the camera lens for the majority of each game and still follow the game on the ice. But she does !
Anyone who knows Jan can tell you that Joe Rullier is her favorite Monarchs player. You won't catch Jan at a game unless she is wearing her game worn Rullier jersey that she won at the end of last season. Her favorite saying to Joe is, "I want to adopt you!" But Jan also maintains that she likes all the Monarchs and considers them all her boys.
Over the last couple of seasons, Jan has collected quite a few Monarchs memorabilia and has them displayed proudly throughout our home. When anyone stops by, they are given the guided tour along with a Monarchs story to cover almost each item displayed.
Jan has made sure to spread the Monarchs good times to others by getting them to attend and experience first hand the enjoyment of going to a Monarchs game.
Jan is also a true believer and very strong supporter of the various charitable fund raising ventures that the Monarchs sponsor.
So, from one proud Monarchs Fan who really knows this # 1 Fan . . I love you Jan and Congratulations on being selected as the MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fan of The Month (January 2004) ... Joe Z.
# # # #
DECEMBER 2003
December 2003 # 1 Fan of the Month
The littlest " BIGGEST FAN " of the bunch!
There are many # 1 Fans seen all over the Verizon at any given Monarchs Game. They are big and small, young and old, men and women. They walk in, get wheeled in and even get carried in. They show up by themselves, they show up with a friend, they show up with their spouses, they show up in groups, and they show up with their parents. But one thing that all these fans have in common is their love for the Manchester Monarchs!
This month I selected a # 1 Fan that represents the youngest fan group that roots on the Monarchs. Our first winner of this season is Hailey Yvonne Riley ( a.k.a. Mini - Max ).
At the age of 14 months old, Hailey made her grand appearance at the November 1st game that featured the Monarchs playing Lowell. The Mini - Max costume that Hailey wore was a definite eye catcher and rallied the Monarchs to a 5 - 3 victory over Lowell !
This little # 1
Fan has
attended many games in and out of her costume. If
Hailey
cannot attend a Monarchs
game,
then she
is sitting in front of
a
radio cheering for her favorite team
according to her parents Melissa and Jason !
Yes, Hailey is
even
making road trips to see
her favorite team.
Hailey proudly wears her Monarch's Toddler Jersey with her name on the back to each and every event she attends.
She has touched the hearts of many in the Monarchs organization, as well as the Verizon Wireless Arena workers and fans.
Hailey
has collected
many autographs and pictures with players
by
attending open practices, autograph signing events or just attending the games.
When asked which player
Hailey
likes,
she
will
respond
with a nod of her head,
as she is
not able to say most of the player's names
yet.
So far she has seemed to
pick
"
Ryan Flinn
" as her
favorite player because when his name is said she smiles really big and gives a
great big nod along with
her
hands
going
up to start cheering.
Hailey
has managed to have one
player's
name come out crystal
clear at this point and it
is " Steve
Kelly
".
She
will
point to the pamphlet
and yell,
"Steve
Kelly".
Hailey
has made
a
special connect
to
other
players
as well.
For example, I
understand that she wants to thank
Dan Welch, Jeff Giuliano
& Max himself for nicknaming her Mini-Max.
So, from one Monarchs Fan to
the Littlest Biggest # 1 Fan . . Congratulations
Hailey on being selected as the
MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fan of The Month (December
2003) ... Joe Z.
2002-2003 Season
# # # #
April 2003
April 2003 # 1 Fans of the Month
2 Fans Who Organized "Royal Road Warriors" Team Support Beyond the Verizon !
This month's # 1 Fan selection is unique in the sense that it is a joint award made to two very deserving and loyal Monarchs fans! Congratulations go to our April winners, Steve Englert and Russ Cooper.
These two fans spent many between period breaks this season at their sign up table located at the Chestnut Street entrance to the Verizon organizing and promoting fan trips to the Monarchs away games under the name of "The Royal Road Warriors". They successfully put together a number of away trips this season and you can guarantee that there will be many more next year as the season unfolds.
The biggest highlight for this year's Royal Road Warriors trips came in March. Steve and Russ got approximately 113 loyal Monarchs fans together and traveled to Pennsylvania to cheer on the Monarchs at games against the Hershey Bears and Philadelphia Phantoms. From what I heard about that trip, some new and lasting friendships were made as well as memories that will last a lifetime. Good job guys!
Steve Englert and his girlfriend, Susan, can be found at their season ticket seats in Section 117 Row R Seats 1 & 2. When pressed to name his favorite player, Steve indicated he liked all the Monarchs but would have to say that Tomas Zizka would be his favorite. Steve has been following AHL teams from the late 1970's which included Springfield and Lowell. It was Steve's desire to visit other AHL sites that was the driving force to organize road trips for other Monarchs fans.
Russ Cooper and his wife, Leslie, can be found at their season ticket seats in Section 115 Row L Seats 11 & 12. When pressed to name his favorite player, Russ also indicated he liked all the Monarchs but would have to say that Eric Healey would be his favorite. Russ is also a die hard Red Sox fan who holds on to the dream and wish that, "IT will happen in his lifetime!" You are a very patient fan Russ and I hope you and the other Sox fans someday get your wish.
Let me say that these two fans have done a tremendous job bringing other Monarchs fans together for the purpose of traveling to away games in support of the Monarchs! So next season, be sure to look up these two # 1 fans to say hi, or stop by at their Royal Road Warrior sign up and information table at the Chestnut Street entrance of the Verizon.
So, from one Monarchs Fan to two tremendously dedicated # 1 fans . . Congratulations Steve and Russ on being selected as the MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fans of The Month (April 2003) ... Joe Z.
# # # #
March 2003
Jeff
Yalden
March 2003
# 1 Fan of the Month
A focused Monarchs fan who has his favorite Monarchs player and lets you know it !
This month's # 1 Fan selection is a focused man who has his favorite Monarchs player ( can you guess who? ) and is not afraid to let you know it. Jeff Yalden, originally from New York, is a certified professional motivational speaker who travels all over the country talking to teenagers about character, class, respect, responsibility, drugs and alcohol. Jeff currently lives in Greenville, NH. and can be found cheering on the Monarchs and Eric Healey at most home games (when he's not traveling) sitting with his wife in Section 118 Row B Seats 6 - 8.
Just for background info on Jeff, he was named Marine-of-the-Year (twice) so now you know where he got that trait of being a focused fan from.
Jeff has been following the Monarchs since the time they came to Manchester. He says he loves the Monarchs and feels that what they have done for Manchester and southern NH is great. There are a lot of fans that agree 100% with Jeff on that feeling!
When asked why he has Eric Healey as his favorite Monarchs player, Jeff gives a couple of reasons. The connection started because Jeff and his wife, from Marshfield, were married in Cohasset, MA. As you know Eric is from Hull, MA. Eric's high scoring also had a lot to do with his being Jeff's favorite player also.
Our March # 1 Fan has a clearly recognizable piece of attire that he wears at each Monarchs game, a Hard Hat! I asked Jeff why he chose a Hard Hat as part of his Monarchs game attire and received a very impressive response. Jeff said, " I believe you have to work hard. Therefore, hockey is a game where you have to go to work night in and night out. The Hard Hat is fitting. Let's go to work boys ! "
Unfortunately, Jeff was away on a speaking engagement the night his favorite player scored his 3rd Hat Trick of the 2002-2003 season at home at the Verizon against the St. John's Maple Leafs on February 17, 2003. I guess we will have to wait until next time to see if Jeff will toss his Hard Hat onto the ice in tribute to a Hat Trick scored by a Monarchs Player. ( If anyone starts a pool, put me down for yes he would )
If anyone wanted to know a little bit more about Jeff, I suggest visiting his website at www.JeffYalden.com
Be sure to stop by and say hello to this # 1 Fan if you happen to be in the Section 118 area of the Verizon or if you see him in the hall. You can't miss him and his Hard Hat !
So, from one Monarchs Fan to Another . . Congratulations Jeff on being selected as the MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fan of The Month (March 2003) ... Joe Z.
# # # #
FEBRUARY 2003

( photos may be enlarged by
left mouse clicking
on them )
MAX
February 2003
# 1 Fan of the Month
February 2003 - The MonarchsFanClub.com has selected its newest # 1 Fan of The Month. . .
MAX, The Real Deal When It Comes To Being A Monarchs Fan
If ever there was a # 1 Monarchs Fan that stepped foot into the Verizon Wireless Arena, it has to be this month's winner. So it is with great pleasure that I present this month's MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fan of the Month, MAX !
Since day one of the Monarchs arrival to the new arena, you could count on seeing Max strolling through the hallways, mingling with the fans and whole heartedly rooting on the Manchester Monarchs while at the same time firing up the fans to do the same. Max always seems to find the time to stop and sign an autograph for any of the fans who make a request while he travels around the arena visiting the special groups in attendance such as Birthday Groups, Youth Hockey Teams and Student Achievers.
I'm guessing that one of Max's favorite activities besides watching the Monarchs play is when he selects "His Sweetheart of the Game" from all the ladies in attendance and presents her with a bouquet of flowers.
Max can be seen routinely on the ice during period breaks sending shirts into the crowd of fans, acting as ref for the Youth Hockey Teams that play on the ice, and bravely facing the Chuck-a-Puck bombardment onto the ice in order to select the winners of that event!
If you think Max is a very emotional fan, you're right! Max can be seen throughout the arena proudly waving his Monarchs flag when his and our Monarchs team SCORES that always exciting and crowd pleasing GOAL ! If the refs make a bad call against our Monarchs, MAX will be one of the first to let them know about his displeasure for that call.
This # 1 Fan goes beyond the call of duty by visiting schools and hospitals occupied by his younger friends and fellow fans. Max unselfishly shows up at Monarchs fund raiser events such as for the United Way and The Monarchs Care Foundation. Max also finds his way to other arenas during the season as well to root on the Monarchs.
So where does Max call home? He lives at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester. Although he doesn't have a particular season ticket seat for you to stop by and visit, just look around the arena at any home game and be sure to congratulate this # 1 Fan of the Month, MAX !
So, from one Monarchs Fan to Another . . Congratulations MAX on being selected as the MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fan of The Month (February 2003) ... Joe Z.
PS...... Happy Birthday MAX !!
# # # #
JANUARY 2003

( photos may be enlarged by
left mouse clicking
on them )
Tyler
Walsh ( TV & Verizon Video
Scoreboard Celebrity )
January 2003 # 1 Fan of the Month
January 2003 - The MonarchsFanClub.com has selected its newest # 1 Fan of The Month. . .
Tyler Walsh, a young Monarchs fan who appears to be quite the celebrity on TV and the Verizon Video Scoreboard
This month's # 1 Fan selection is the youngest fan we have chosen so far. Tyler Walsh is a 10 year old Green Acres Elementary School student from Manchester who is a devoted Monarchs fan that has made a big impression at just about every home game this year at the Verizon. You can find Tyler at each home game sitting with his parents and sometimes a friend as well in Section 118 Row N Seats 10 - 12.
Tyler proudly wears his autographed Monarchs jersey to the home games and can be seen waving a Monarchs pennant or proudly displaying a sign encouraging the Monarchs! You can count on seeing Tyler's face on the Verizon Video Scoreboard like clockwork at each home game. He has undoubtedly caught the attention of the camera crew as being a worthy fan favorite to be shown at the games.
It was at the AT&T 3 "HOCKEY NIGHT IN NEW ENGLAND" televised game against the Providence baby Bruins on Dec 7th during an intermission period break at the Verizon, that the roaming ATT&T 3 TV host stopped by and challenged Tyler to a game quiz question. Tyler answered the challenge correctly and won himself a dollar from the TV host as well as a respectable appearance on cable TV proving that Monarchs # 1 Fans come in all ages. Good going Tyler !
When I asked how many Monarchs games Tyler either goes to or listens to during the course of the year, the answer was emphatically, "every game!"
Even though Tyler roots for the whole Monarchs team, his favorites on the team are goalie Travis Scott and the Monarchs team enforcer Ryan Flinn because he is a fighter. There are many fans at the Manchester Verizon who agree with Tyler's choices as well.
If you ask what Tyler likes about the games or the arena, Tyler will say that the Monarchs and the Verizon Arena make it a fun place for kids to be. He enjoys the chuck-a-puck activity during the 2nd period game intermission in addition to being shown on the Video Scoreboard. Tyler also is a member of the Monarchs Kids Club. Tyler finishes by noting that the arena is great because it doesn't take long to get to.
Tyler has collected a number of Monarchs items and autographs so far, some of which include a Monarchs jersey, hat, t-shirt, banner, pucks and other items as well !
So, from one Monarchs Fan to Another . . Congratulations Tyler on being selected as the MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fan of The Month (January 2003) ... Joe Z.
# # # #
DECEMBER 2002

(photo of Richie Ladd, left,
and Rhonda Martin of the Monarchs staff, right, no affiliation to this website)
Richie
Ladd ( The Ultimate Monarchs' Fan
)
December 2002 # 1 Fan of the Month
Richie Ladd, the perfect pick for the Christmas season's # 1 Fan of the Month
This month's # 1 Fan selection most deservingly goes to Richie Ladd of Raymond, NH ! Richie is the owner of his own land surveying company, but still has found time to be an avid fan of the Monarchs from day one. He had attended every home game last year and every one of the home games so far this year. I think it is safe to say that Richie doesn't plan on missing any of the future Monarchs' games at the Verizon either. Crossing the NH border to get to a Monarchs' game hasn't been a problem for Richie. He has made it to games in Springfield, Worcester, Lowell and Portland !
Richie has thrown his heart and soul into the Monarchs. Being the ultimate fan that he is, Richie has acquired 14 jerseys through various Monarchs' auctions and charitable events sponsored by the Monarchs.
He is also a true supporter in the Monarchs fund raisers! He recently sponsored a foursome at the Ace Bailey Charity Golf Tournament, even though he is not a golfer and didn't even play during the event.
During the golf tournament charitable event, Richie was the high bidder on a trip to see the LA Kings play the Boston Bruins in LA. The trip had to be rescheduled to a game between the Kings and the Montreal Canadiens after Richie found out that the Monarchs were playing on the date of the Kings - Bruins game. (Can't miss those Monarchs' games!)
Richie was also involved in the "Monarchs At Your Service" fundraiser. He sat on the committee along with Carrie Jackson, as well as the other players' wives and girlfriends. He provided the photography and posters for that event.
Does Richie know the meaning of "giving is better than receiving"? YES ! Richie had 250 "Monarchs" pens made up and has been handing them out for the past 2 months. However, this next fact about Richie makes him the perfect December's pick of the # 1 Fan award during this holiday season ...... Last year Richie gave the entire Monarchs Inaugural team Christmas Stockings with a "Hockey Puck Clock" engraved with the words "Monarchs 1st Christmas", as his way of welcoming the team to Manchester.
Even though Richie holds a special feeling for all the Monarchs, rumor has it that Dane Jackson is his favorite.
Richie is a season ticket holder having seats in Section 121, Row A, Seats 15 & 16. His wife Debbie can be found there during the home games, but Richie chooses to sit in the exact same spot up in the lounge where you can find him sitting in the seat that is draped with his Monarchs home jersey bearing his name ... R. LADD 01
Although I had never met Richie prior to designating him as the December # 1 Fan of the Month, I feel as if I know him thanks to the splendid info supplied by his son Randy. Thanks Randy!
So, if you are like me and most of the fans at the Verizon, you might not have access to the Lounge at the home games to meet Richie, but, if you happen to see Richie in his lower bowl seats or walking down the hallways of the Verizon easily identifiable by his R. LADD 01 jersey, be sure to stop this # 1 Fan of the Month, say Hi, congratulate him as the December Fan of The Month and be sure to wish him A Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday! I think you will agree with me, HE DESERVES IT !
From one Monarchs Fan to Another . . Congratulations Richie on being selected as the MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fan of The Month and MERRY CHRISTMAS ! (December 2002) ... Joe Z.
# # # #
NOVEMBER 2002

Katie
Donati ( Travis Scott Specialist
)
November 2002 # 1 Fan of the Month
Katie Donati, a Monarchs fan recognized as the "Travis Scott Specialist"
Katie is one of the biggest
Monarchs' fans around. Although not a season ticket holder last year, she
managed to go to every home game from January on as well as some road games.
Katie traveled to Hartford, Springfield, Worcester, and Portland. This year,
Katie became a season ticket holder and you can find her in section 114, row D,
seat 11. This season she has already been on road trips to Portland, Lowell, and
Worcester and looks forward to going to many more away games this year!
"I have met the whole team numerous times, but my favorite player is Travis
Scott. He is a great person and a talented goaltender", Katie
reports.
She explains, "Last May for a school project I had to make a web site, so I decided to make one for Travis. Minor leaguers don't get a lot of recognition, and I felt he deserved a fan site. I spent numerous hours searching online and chatting with fans who knew him to see if I could get enough information for a site. Well, it turns out I did and I have continued to add to it on a daily basis."
Katie went on to say, "I have spoken with members of Travis' family as well as becoming friends with his wife, and they have provided me with pictures and articles for my site. The site has gotten a lot of recognition in just a few months, and I want to thank everyone who has helped make that happen."
Katie's website was recently mentioned on Ken Cail's "Monarchs Insider" TV show, and apparently caught the attention of both Ken Cail and Travis who seemed very impressed by her site.
Be sure to visit Katie's website on Travis Scott, you won't be disappointed !
The
Travis Scott Fan Site
The full address of her site is http://travisscott.freeservers.com/
From one Monarchs Fan and webmaster to Another . . Congratulations Katie on being selected as the MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fan of The Month (November 2002) ... Joe Z.
# # # #
OCTOBER 2002
Denis
Carrier ( Monarchs Maniac )
October
2002 # 1 Fan of the Month
October 2002 - The MonarchsFanClub.com has selected its first # 1 Fan of The Month. . .
Denis Carrier, more commonly known as " Monarchs Maniac "
Denis lives in Manchester with his wife, Linda, and has 2 children ( a boy and a girl ). Denis can be found in his season ticket seats in section 101 row D seats 14+15 along with Linda and their fellow Monarchs Fan friends Dave and Shelby Gray of Deerfield. Denis caught the eye of a Union Leader reporter, Carol Robidoux who did a front page story on him on the Oct 12th edition of the Manchester Union Leader.
From one Monarchs Fan to Another . . Congratulations Denis on being selected as the MonarchsFanClub.com's # 1 Fan of The Month (October 2002) ... Joe Z.
see article below ....
Monarchs Madness: Loyal fans reunite for season openerLinda and Denis Carrier were looking particularly regal last night in their matching Manchester Monarch face masks.
Chalk one up to experience.
Last season, Linda painstakingly painted Denis’ face with silver and purple paint before each game.
Hey — season ticket holders may be fanatical, but they’re not stupid.
Besides, cutting back on the pre-game prep will give the Manchester couple more time to settle into their seats and catch up with all the other returning season ticket holders.
It’s a special bond that exists between grown adults who wear colorful face masks and funny hats, and are prone to shaking oversized purple foam claws or other regulation purple paraphernalia at each other with every stealthy slap of the puck.
The Carriers are not unique.
There’s also Dave and Shelby Gray of Deerfield, who met the Carriers during the bus ride to Lowell for the Monarchs first-ever hockey game last season. They got along so well, the four decided to buy a quartet of season tickets this year.
And there are the Morrisons of Goffstown, John and Gail. Maybe you’ve seen them — they’re the couple with the purple-and-black striped Dr. Suess-style hats, top row, section 109, seats 10 and 11. The two sitting right next to Tammy and Mark Verville, the other couple with big hats, only the Vervilles’ hats were custom made by Mark’s mom.
The Morrisons have discovered what many other hometown hockey fans have: There’s nothing in the world like being a part of Manchester’s Monarch mania.
It started on a whim, says Gail.
“We honestly just wanted to see what it would be like, so we got season tickets last year. Now — it’s like having a whole family around you for every game,” explains Gail, distracted for a moment by Peter LaCroix and son Cade, 7, of Litchfield, who just slid into their seats, two rows down.
Same place, new season.
“Hey, how you doin’, sweetheart,” says LaCroix, turning to greet Gail. Then he leans forward and waves to the guy four seats to his left. “How’s it going? Good. Same here,” he says to Ron Goyette of Manchester, with whom he shared countless high fives last season.
The Morrisons arrive about an hour early each game, says Gail — enough time to set up whatever essential hockey game equipment is necessary to ensure a win.
Last night, it was the matching Louie the Lock Monster bobblehead dolls dangling, in effigy, from little matching nooses on the railing above them.
Also the big, foam claw, the complimentary purple-and-white pon-poms — last night’s giveaway — plus a goal light (looks like a police car siren attached to a flashlight handle.)
And, of course, the lucky Healey shirt.
“I won it last year during the Shirt Off Our Back Night,” says Gail, referring to the night left wing Eric Healey handed over his sweaty jersey, no questions asked.
Returning season ticket holders last night said they love everything about being Monarch fans. Things like that there’s not a bad seat in the house, and way more fighting than in the NHL, plus plenty of giveaways and fun moments built into each and every game.
Max the mascot and the greatest ushers on Earth, too.
Ushers like Rose Ann Hathorn and her husband, Ellery, who work adjoining sections on the 100 level.
“Hiya! Come on, I’ll take you down,” says Rose to a newbie searching for Row G.
She and her husband got part-time jobs at the Verizon when their kids left for college, leaving them with an empty nest and the need to rediscover their relationship.
“It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” says Ellery.
He takes a moment to discuss the ventilation system with some familiar faces from last season, while in the next section, a man introduces himself to Rose as a new season ticket holder.
“I love it,” says Rose, sharing big smiles with several more regulars from last season.
“This is a new section for
me. But by the end of the season, I’ll be on a first-name basis with just
about everyone,” says Rose.
If you would like to be considered for a # 1 Fan of The Month designation or know of Someone who you would like to be considered for a # 1 Fan of The Month designation, send me some information about yourself and or your suggested party along with a photo if one is available to this website. Who knows, you or they may be next ! . . . Joe Z.
The
MonarchsFanClub.com website is being presented by a most humble webmaster fan
... Joe Zalgenas
Email can be sent to this fan site at:
Zalgenas@comcast.net
Copyright © 2002,2003,2004 ... All Rights Reserved.
MonarchsFanClub.com is an Unofficial Fan site and Is Not connected or affiliated in any way to The Hockey Clubs of the Manchester Monarchs, LA Kings, Reading Royals or any of their booster clubs
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