Cleveland Monsters rise after a slippery start, but challenges remain on the ice.
Written by Miranda Wyse
"Despite all that, the team seems to be on the upswing. It now holds the record for nine games won in a row, which was last set at eight games in the 2010-2011 season."
With a few notable transactions over the offseason that resulted in a shaky start to the hockey season, the Cleveland Monsters are finally starting to come into their own. They’ve posted a record of 13-4-0-1 as of their game against the Rochester Americans on Nov. 27, 2024. The team is comprised of star returning players Trey “Fixy” Fix-Wolansky and Luca Del Bel Bulluz, as well as notable rookies Gavin Brindley and Max McCue.
To start the season, the Monsters lost three of their five games before returning to Cleveland on Oct. 26, 2024 for their home opener, which didn’t bode well for the fledgling team coming off the loss of defensemen Billy Sweezey to free agency and Jake Christiansen to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the NHL affiliate of the Monsters. The two defensemen left a hole in the team, eventually leading to the overtime loss, which still led to a point for the team. Despite the loss, the Monsters fought back and won the next two games against the Toronto Marlies and Grand Rapids Griffins.
With 25 points, the Monsters are currently second in the Northern Division and third in the Eastern Conference. The team was able to clinch the Northern Division title last season, however, it looks like they won’t retake the title this year. The team is full of rookies or players from other teams who haven’t yet bonded with the returning players.
The Monsters have also been focused on community events this season. A “Meet the Players” night was held for season ticket holders at the newly renovated Natural History Museum. Open practices have been held for the public in Parma and Cleveland Heights, which drew crowds of excited children with their parents. These events seemed to have pumped some energy into the new players, who have yet to enjoy the dedicated fan base in Cleveland.
Although the Monsters are a hit with children, there isn’t much game attendance. The attendance of people outside of families doesn’t begin to fill Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The last time seats were full was back during their playoff run in the 2023-2024 season. Weeknight games are even harder for families, leading to a less energetic crowd.
One could also chalk up lower-than-usual attendance to the Monsters being a minor league team that doesn’t get as much airtime as the other teams in Cleveland. Unlike the Cavaliers or the Browns, they are below the majors. Many people don’t even know Cleveland has a professional hockey team, leading to lower-than-expected ticket sales.
In sports terms, the Monsters are a farm team, which means that the players are in Cleveland to develop further before they are sent south to their major league affiliate team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. All the players are farmhands (prospects) until they are given a full one-way contract with the Blue Jackets. Most of the team members are already on a two-way contract like newly sent down players David Jiříček and Mikeal “Tuna” Pyyhtiä. Others, like Chagrin Falls native Curtis Hall, are only contracted to the Monsters. It’s hard to bond with teammates when one is making the trip up and down Interstate 71, which has seemed to be an evident struggle for the team this season
Despite all that, the team seems to be on the upswing. It now holds the record for nine games won in a row, which was last set at eight games in the 2010-2011 season. If anything, they are finally beginning to prove themselves as the Northern Division champs they were last season.
If you ever find yourself bored on a Cleveland Saturday night, listen to the Monsters on the radio or buy a ticket to see them in person. You might just be surprised by what you see.