Memorable Night in Cleveland for the Monsters

CLEVELAND – On a mild Wednesday night in winter, the Cleveland Monsters took down one of their North Division foes, the Toronto Marlies, 3-2 to solidify their spot for second place in the league with 41 points.

Goaltender Jet Greaves stopped 24 of 26 shots to earn his 14^th win of the season. After the win over the Marlies, Greaves was in a three-way tie with Hunter Shepard (Hershey Bears) and Matthew Villalta (Tucson Roadrunners) for the most wins in the AHL.

Monsters Have Bought into the Team and Are Having Fun

In the past, former Head Coach Mike Eaves often preached what he called “TWIG”: a “take what’s given” mentality. Now, Head Coach Trent Vogelhuber is etching something similar into their brains with the “next man up” mentality. The players have taken the two mentalities to heart and used the combination to help the team create the successful season they are currently having.

“If you look at the turnover that we’ve had — guys coming into our lineup, out of our lineup — everyone plays the same way,” explained Monsters forward Trey Fix-Wolansky. “We’ve been having a ton of success and I think that’s why we’re doing so great this year.”

Vogelhuber noted the team did struggle a little with the multiple roster changes they were dealt at the beginning of the season. However, they are starting to settle into those new roles.

“I think when we really got hit with some roster changes, there was a little transition there where we were like, ‘What kind of team are we? What kind of roles does each player have?’ and people are starting to adjust to that a little bit,” said Vogelhuber. “Like I said, stepping up into opportunities that they have learned.”

The success the Monsters are currently experiencing has created a vibe of fun and confidence in the locker room.

“It’s very fun in the locker room,” said Fix-Wolansky. “Practices have been awesome. It’s always fun when you’re winning games. I feel like there’s not team in the league that we don’t think we can beat.”

Fix-Wolansky Solidified Place in Cleveland History

Before the start of the game, forward Trey Fix-Wolansky was honored for having the most career goals and points in Monsters history. He then went on to add another goal and point to the tally to put him at a grand total of 70 goals and 167 assists.

“It’s always nice to get recognized like that,” said Fix-Wolansky. “So, I’m pretty excited about that.”

When Fix-Wolansky started with the Monsters during their 2017-18 postseason appearance, he had no clue one day his name would be embedded in Cleveland hockey history. For him, the focus was on playing hockey and adapting to a new league. “Coming into the league at 20, you just kind of want to get your feet wet and get a feel for the league.”

Vogelhuber took some time to explain what it is about Fix-Wolansky that makes him a special and talented player to work with on the ice. “He’s got offensive gifts, he’s hungry, and he’s a shooter. You don’t accidentally stumble upon records like that.”

Vogelhuber Named Coach for the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic

During the game, in front of their largest crowd of the season (15,095), the Monsters announced that Vogelhuber was awarded the honor of being the North Division coach for the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic. In true humble hockey form, Vogelhuber gave all the credit to his team.

“It’s an honor. It’s a league with a lot of really good players, a lot of really good coaches. So obviously, it will be exciting to get to be there. I’ve never been to one before, but like I said, I just send the guys over the boards. It’s an honor I get to represent our group with their really good start to the year. Happy to go. It will be fun. But again, it’s those guys have kind of given me that privilege to do so.”

Just like Fix-Wolansky, Vogelhuber’s focus has been on coaching his players. Accolades and awards were not on his radar during the beginning of his coaching career.

“I never thought about it,” explained Vogelhuber. “I’m just trying to win one game at a time and help our guys along the way.”

After Wednesday’s game, Fix-Wolansky spoke highly of Vogelhuber and All-Star nod.

“It’s a great accomplishment for him,” said Fix-Wolansky. “Think back to three years ago, when Mike (Eaves) had his little issue there, Trent stepped in and did a great job.” He expanded upon this sentiment by describing Vogelhuber’s coaching style. “It’s awesome to play for him. He’s a player coach. He demands the most out of every one of his players.”

According to Fix-Wolansky, part of what makes Vogelhuber such a great coach is his openness to growth and development in his craft. Watching their coach embrace change has helped the Monsters do the same.

“I feel like each guy has taken a hug step this year, especially from last year. But even more the start of the year,” said Fix-Wolansky. “Each guy’s taken a huge step and we’re playing great as a group.”