2026 Expansion Draft Results

Southaven, MS – The FPHL Expansion Draft was held this past Tuesday, and with it came the first eight members of the Mid-South Monarchs. Let’s take a look at who will be defending the kingdom this coming fall.

Round 1 – Tyson Kirkby

Kirkby is the highest scorer in this draft class and comes to Mid-South fresh off his third straight championship as captain of the Black Bears. Tyson brings strong leadership, a tremendous scoring touch, and a solid defensive presence. Kirkby is the perfect 200-foot player to help launch this franchise.

Round 2 – Camron Cervone

Cervone is one of the league’s most underrated players, with his strong defensive-minded play serving as his calling card. The Monarchs are getting a reliable blue-liner who is difficult to get around and will be a force to be reckoned with as opposing teams attack the net. Cervone’s offensive game continues to grow as well, as he has become more confident putting pucks on net.

Round 3 – Emerson Emery

The third former teammate of head coach Mac Jansen to join the Mid-South brings that toughness and grit every team needs. Emery is never afraid to throw his body around and will drop the gloves with anyone in the league. He also makes smart decisions on the ice that create opportunities not only for himself but for his teammates as well.

Round 4 – Chance Adrian

Chance was part of a midseason trade that brought him from the Pee Dee IceCats to the Danbury Hat Tricks, and with that move came a significant offensive boost. Adrian scored nine goals on the season, with four of them coming in the 10 games he played with the Hat Tricks. He is a major addition to the forward group and brings a growing offensive game to the Monarchs.

Round 5 – Damon Furuseth

Furuseth is the youngest Monarch on this list at just 22 years old. He joins the Monarchs from Blue Ridge after spending time in both the FPHL and SPHL last season. Now, he will be given a larger role in Mid-South. Furuseth’s assist totals took a significant jump this past season, and he will look to continue distributing the puck once he arrives in the Monarchs' lineup.

Round 6 – Lucas Piekarczyk

The Monarchs added another leader in Piekarczyk, selecting the former captain of the Biloxi Breakers. He is another young piece who contributed offensively, recording 14 goals and 23 assists during his time in Biloxi. Piekarczyk also has a knack for staying out of the penalty box, taking just six penalty minutes all season.

Round 7 – Darion Benchich

Benchich is coming off a strong season with the Watertown Wolves and helped provide offense to a team that desperately needed it. He is a crafty player who consistently puts himself in good positions to score whenever he has the puck. Darion grew tremendously during his first full season in the FPHL and will look to continue that development with the Monarchs.

Round 8 – Ivan Ponivanov

The Monarchs used their final pick to further strengthen the blue line, selecting Ponivanov from Indiana. Ivan enters his third season in the FPHL and will once again be counted on to log significant minutes on the blue line. Ponivanov joins a team that is expected to play a fast-paced, dangerous style with the puck and should fit that identity well.