Monarchs Win AHL Calder Cup Title

Manchester captain defenseman Vincent LoVerde scored the game winner in the first period just at the top of the left wing faceoff circle one timing a cross ice pass from Nic Dowd that sailed past the Comets Swedish netminder Jacob Markstrom at 13:09 just 18 seconds into a powerplay opportunity.

A third Monarchs goal initially credited to another playoff Mike Mersch was disallowed as it was determined he redirected the puck in with his arm. 

Despite a lower body injury to Manchester goalie Jean-Francois Berube suffered in the first period of Game 3 the Monarchs nary skipped a beat with Czech rookie Patrick Bartosak in goal. Bartosak was brilliant in making 31 saves in the Game 5 Cup clinching win with only Cal O’ Reilly’s late tally with 14.8 seconds left that spoiled his shutout bid.

He along with PK squad held the Comets off on back to back powerplay opportunities late in the second period that the Comets couldn’t capitalize on.

Monarchs right winger Jordan Weal with 22 points in 19 games captured the Jack Butterfield Trophy as the playoff MVP.

However, the MVP was the entire Monarchs squad scoring the game’s first goal 15 times in the post season and won every game-just an amazing feat. Swedish rookie Adrian Kempe just 18 years tallied his third goal in four games and eighth of the playoffs ( in 17 games) at 10:02 in the first period.

Kempe had played the season with MODO in the Swedish Hockey League.

Now the Monarchs head to Ontario, CA to become the Reign joining San Diego (Anaheim), Bakersfield (Edmonton), Stockton (Calgary) and San Jose in forming the California AHL Pacific Division. Manchester will become the LA Kings ECHL affiliate under the same name in the fall.

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