MANCHESTER, NH – Colin Stevens was backed by two power-play goals to earn his first career win, as the Manchester Monarchs powered past the Norfolk Admirals, 5-1, Saturday night at the Verizon Wireless Arena.
Stevens turned away 21-of- 22 shots to backstop the Monarchs (8-6-0-0) to their second straight victory over the Admirals (5-11-0-0).
“We came to play,” Head Coach Rich Seeley said. “We’ve been looking for consistency and I think we found some.”
Matt White put the Monarchs on the board at 7:38 of the first period, scoring his team-leading, 8th goal of the season. White stole a pass at center ice and streaked into the zone, bursting between two Norfolk defenders. White deked to his right and slid a backhand against the grain on Admirals net minder, Tyler Beskorowany, beating the goalie stick side for the 1-0 lead.
The power play success for the Monarchs carried over from last night’s 2-1 victory, when Alex Roach scored his 2nd goal of the season, making the score 2-0 at 8:33of the second period. Michael Boivin found Roach camped at the right point and Roach rocketed the slapper home.
Tommy Mele put the Admirals on the board at 13:43 of the second period, scoring his 5th goal of the season. Mele collected a rebound off of a Michael Pelech shot and put the puck past Stevens to make it 2-1 Manchester.
David Kolomatis scored his 3rd goal of the season at 16:53 in the third period, pushing the Monarchs lead to 3-1. Kolomatis took a pass from Maxim Kitsyn, and ripped a slap shot from the middle of the blue line through traffic, beating Beskorowany.
At 8:22 in the third period, Joey Diamond scored his 5th goal of the season to add to the Monarchs lead. Darik Angeli rushed down the right boards and hooked a forehand pass to Diamond who was waiting in the slot to finish the chance high glove.
Zac Larraza put the nail in Norfolk’s coffin with his 4th goal of the season at 9:27 of the third period to ensure the Monarchs 5-1 victory. Danick Paquette took a clearing pass from Mike Boivin at the attacking blue line and slid the puck to Larraza who ripped a wrist shot past Beskorowany.
The Monarchs close out their home stand tomorrow afternoon, Nov. 22 (3 p.m.) against the Norfolk Admirals. Tomorrow’s game features the annual Monarchs Food Drive where fans who bring canned, nonperishable goods with them to the game will be entered to win a special Monarchs prize.
Notes
- Colin Stevens recorded the first profession win of his career
- The Monarchs have scored two power-play goals in back-to-back games
- Maxim Kitsyn notched his 40th career ECHL assist
- Tony Turgeon played in his 50th professional
You’re one click away! Sign up for our freeeNewsletter and never miss another thing.