Ten years ago, a new American Hockey League franchise was born in the Queen City. With an enterprising president (Hello Jeff Eisenberg!), a business model built around providing the best possible fan experience and a region that quickly became christened “Monarchs Country,” the Manchester Monarchs became not only a thriving business in the state, but part of the fabric of our community.
Winners of the 2005 PRISM award, a designation earned by the top minor league franchise in the country, the Monarchs have always been about the fans. Whether it’s sending players into the classroom to encourage reading, coordinating a clothing drive for the needy or hosting a “teddy bear toss” to provide toys for underprivileged youngsters, the Monarchs have always been cognizant of the fact that success in the community is just as important as success on the ice.
Since its inception in 2001, the Monarchs Care Foundation (Hello Cheryl Abbott!) has donated more than $1.6 million in monetary and in-kind contributions to charitable organizations throughout New Hampshire. Think about that for a second…..$1.6 million. That’s an awful lot of food for the hungry, equipment for youth sports and donated items for organizations ranging from the Norris Cotton Cancer Center to the New Hampshire Food Bank.
And let’s not forget the team’s success on the ice. In their ten year history, the Monarchs have only failed to make the playoffs once and made it to the Eastern Conference finals last year, falling just short of the Calder Cup finals. They are perennial contenders and have sent dozens of players to the NHL including Mike Cammellari, George Parros, Dustin Brown, Jonathan Quick, Kevin Westgarth, Jonathan Bernier, Tom Kotsopoulos and many others.
What would be the perfect birthday gift for the team that has provided this much joy to the Granite State? How’s about a visit or two to the Verizon Wireless Arena this season? Games are affordably priced, the action is unparalleled and the entertainment value is off the charts. If you haven’t made the trip to Monarchs Country in awhile, mark a date on the calendar for your return and enjoy some great AHL hockey. Thanks for your decade of dedication and Happy Birthday Monarchs!!
– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director (and Monarchs Charter Season Ticket Holder!)
P.S. Join “New Hampshire Today’s” Jack Heath and NH Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald for the “First Class Business” segment featuring Monarchs President Darren Abbott next Wednesday, November 3rd on WTPL 107.7 FM at 4 p.m. Darren will talk about the team’s success on the ice this season and discuss how the Monarchs have been able to grow and sustain their business over the years.