Jr. Monarchs Announce Captains for 15-16 Season

(Hooksett, NH) – With the start of the pre-season just two weeks away, Head Coach Ryan Frew has announced that the 2015-16 version of the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs EHL Premier team will be captained by returning forwards ’95 Hunter Laslo (Irvine, CA) and ’95 Luke Bennett (Rochester, NH).

Laslo will be in his third season with the Monarchs and is coming off an All-Star season. He posted 19 goals and 23 assists, good for 42 points which ranked him third on the team in scoring. He has been a consistent, every night player for the ‘Narchs in his first two seasons.

Bennett will be in his second season with the Monarchs after playing a season in the NAHL. He is no stranger to the organization having spent time on the Midget and Empire teams in years past. He won a National Championship with Coach Frew in 2012 as a member of the Empire club. His 30 points last year ranked him fifth on the team in scoring and his physical play set the tone night in and night out. A knee injury in mid-February cut his season short and his absence was felt throughout the playoffs.

Coach Frew had this to say about his leaders for the upcoming season…”These two guys will be the heart and soul of our club. They play the game the way it was meant to be played, every single practice…every single game. We needed to get tougher this year and these guys have the ability to hold their teammates accountable with the constant, consistent effort and toughness that they both possess. Bennett and Laslo are as dedicated to winning as you can get. They block shots, finish checks, win battles, and most importantly empty their tanks every second they are on the rink. Both players are strong two-way players. Off the ice they led our team in community service hours and local appearances last year, and they are fan and youth player favorites because of the big personality they bring to the facility every day. They earned the respect of our staff and undoubtedly will earn the respect of their new teammates. With that said they already have it from the other veteran players. I believe that Hunter and Luke are ready to take this team to the next level.”
The Monarchs will hit the ice for the NHJM Combine on August 25, followed by training camp and then a trip to the University of Maine for some competitive exhibition games.

“It’s been three years since we have delivered a playoff championship to the proud fans here in Monarchs Country. These are the best fans in junior hockey in the northeast that we are talking about…we owe them a title and these two guys (Bennett and Laslo) are motivated. I have no doubt they will lead us to where we need to get to. Bennett was a big part of the last National title we won here, and he knows what it takes. He knows the expectations and he understands the sacrifice, he’s as hungry and driven as I am to win another championship.” Said Frew.

Alternate Captains will be added to support Laslo and Bennett at a later time and will be an honor chosen and selected by the team.

The EHL Premier team will open the regular season schedule on the road Friday, September 18th when they travel down I-93 to take on the Boston Jr. Rangers.

The Tri-Town Ice Arena home opener is on Friday October 2nd vs. the East Coast Wizards at 6:40pm. Season tickets will be printed and on sale during training camp.

More info to follow…