Monarchs Drop Opening Night To Moccasins

Monroe LA- The Mid-South Monarchs dropped the puck on their inaugural season in Monroe against the Moccasins. It was a highly anticipated matchup to kick off the franchise’s first season in the Mid-South.

The game started with three straight Moccasins goals in under 10 minutes. The first came from Nick Michaud, who sent the Snake Pit into a frenzy for the first time this season. The Mocs doubled their lead when Andrew Bellant found the back of the net for his first goal of the season. The final Moccasins goal of the period came from Jared Christy, who put his team comfortably ahead by three. The Monarchs responded before the period ended, as Austin Webber scored the first goal in franchise history to cut the lead to 3-1. The score held through the end of the period.

The second period was slower to start, as both teams had their chances, but Tommy Nappier and Chris Branch came up big for their respective sides. The Moccasins were the first team to break through, as Jamie Dorsey scored on a two-man advantage to restore their three-goal lead. The Monarchs answered with back-to-back goals in just 14 seconds. First, Webber ripped home his second goal of the night. Then, Benchich got on the board when a bad hop beat Branch, pulling the Monarchs within one. This set up what promised to be a close and electric third period.

The third period saw the Moccasins respond, as Paul Arnott restored their multi-goal lead. Andrew Bellant put the finishing touches on the game with an empty-net goal to make it 6-3. That would be the final score, as the Moccasins claimed the opening game of the season.

Tommy Nappier stopped 39 of the 44 shots he faced, while his counterpart, Chris Branch, stopped 23 of the 26 shots the Monarchs put on goal. The Mid-South Monarchs are back in action tomorrow night as they look to claim their first win in a rematch against the Moccasins.