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The Columbus Monkeys wrapped up their inaugural campaign with a tough loss to the Rink Rats in the final game of the 2006 season. Finishing at 2-10 doesn't appear to be a positive, however the future doesn't look as bleak as the Monkeys lost three games by a single score. In a first go for the team, there were several times during the season when the Monkeys showed signs of life. One of those moments was a 6-1 shellacking of the third place Ice Gorillas on October 26th. "We felt good in that game and were cycling the puck well, and guys seemed to be in the right spots which was an area we fell short in during many of our games," said one player who wished to remain anonymous. "We can be a good team, and the newer guys made a lot of strides towards contributing. We also need to work on continuous movement, because there were a lot of times some players were not as active as they should be. It'll get better with experience, we had 5 guys that were going through their very first session. That's young." The Monkeys look forward to next session as another growing opportunity. Every minute on the ice with one another is another step towards cohesion and feel, and for the rookies the game will slow down. "The important part is that we had a lot of fun and the guys genuinely like one another," the player said. "We really had no outcasts and gelled well, now it's about learning each other's tendencies and getting in the right spots." The Monkeys open the 2007 season on January 18th. The schedule will be posted upon release. _________________________________
The Columbus Monkeys appointed their leaders and picked up their first win on the same day Thursday, a 3-2 victory over the Nite Caps in Thursday CAHL D-League action at the Easton Chiller. Getting the first win in franchise history didn't come easy, as the Caps pushed late to try to squeeze out a forced overtime. Goalie Dave Buckner survived an onslaught of shots during the three periods, but allowed a season best two goals. In addition, the Monkeys appointed their first squad of captains in franchise history when the C and A's were handed out just before game time. Defenseman Mike Darr, the Monkeys' full-time upper-tier player, was named Captain and defenseman Chris Taza and forward Mike Lacher were awarded Alternate Captain honors. "These three gentlemen have been leaders for our team in helping along a lot of the newer players while motivating the senior guys during our first few games," said one Monkey front office employee. "These guys have added the invaluable elements of knowledge and patience without request, and we felt that is one of the most important pieces in bringing along a new organization with a difficult mix of new and old talent. These players have led the charge, but we have some other guys who are well deserving who may not have been as vocal at the onset. Guys like Joe (Janszen, Forward), C-Dub (Defenseman Chris Wilson), and J.P. (Jay Parsons, Defenseman) have helped the more vocal leaders mesh the team to assist in continuity, and that is irreplaceable as well. They act more as silent captains on the team and lead by example. However, we only had 3 slots so we chose the men who've coached the younger players the most. Without taking anything away from the three captains, we have a few more than the players who were named. These guys genuinely like one another and it'll come together sooner than later. Every player is responsible for that." With the win, the Monkeys move to the middle of the pack in early season play, carrying the sole goal of improving every game through the efforts to gel as a team. Next week, the Monkeys take on the Rhinos at 9:40 p.m., Chiller North, rink 2. The Rhinos are currently tied for first place in the league with a record of 3-0. _________________________________
The CAHL Schedules have been released and the Monkeys' own Thursday D-League Fall Session journey has been revealed. The CAHL Thursday D-League will contain 8 teams: The Columbus Monkeys, Batelle, Ice Gorillas, Mr. Mulch, Nite Caps, Ohio Select, Rhinos, and the Rink Rats. Several of the teams were a direct transplantation from the WIHL (Worthington Ice Hockey League) that played out of the Worthington Ice Center which was recently purchased by the Chiller, LLC. Thankfully, the Chiller group accommodated the players of this former league and developed the Thursday night league within their own facilities. The Monkeys open the season on Thursday, September 7th at 9:10 pm (Easton Chiller, Rink 2) v. the Ice Gorillas. The Monkeys will play a twelve game season plus the playoffs should they qualify. A team and league schedule is provided by clicking on the Word and PDF icons below.
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The Columbus Monkeys have released first glance at the jerseys they will wear when they take the ice for the first time on September 7th. The jersey will be mainly black with yellow numbers in white trim, 12" numbers on the back and smaller numbers on the sleeve. Each jersey will come with reinforced covered seams as well as a lace up tie at the "V" of the neck. On the front of the jersey will be a Columbus Monkeys Hockey Club logo patch. The jersey will also have one yellow and one white stripe running down the sleeve from the sides of the neck opening. To see what the Monkeys will be sporting on the ice, please click the link below.
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The Columbus Monkeys have finalized all available full-time slots and are gearing up for what should be an exciting season. One substitute roster spot is still available. The Monkeys have a good mix of experienced as well as inexperienced players with the hope that the units will mesh well and quickly through the utilization of player interaction. The Monkeys expect to start their inaugural session around Labor Day, and upon release of the league schedule the web site will be updated. The Monkeys will play a twelve game schedule with the hope that playoffs will be a part of the post-season plans. Meetings will be scheduled for the team (organizational purposes) as plans are solidified. Stay tuned for updates that will be announced in the near future.
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The Columbus Monkeys have begun to reserve roster spots for the Fall 2006 Worthington Ice Hockey League session. The Monkeys will play at the D-Level rank, created for less than experienced players or beginners. The Monkey organization is committed to playing America's fastest growing sport competitively, but ultimately the purpose is to provide a team for players who would like to supplement their Sunday night leagues with an extra session of ice hockey. If you are interested in joining the Monkeys for the Fall 2006 session, please click here and fill out the web form. Join the Monkeys today and prepare to hit the ice in the fall on Wednesday (or Thursday) nights!
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"It started in the face of rejection, and will end with the cheers of victors..." |
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Monkeys Finish Low, Look High 
Monkeys Release Jersey Plans 
Monkeys Recruiting For Inaugural Session