Mid-South Monarchs Fall 5-1 at Monroe in Weekend Rematch
The Mid-South Monarchs grabbed the first lead in franchise history on Saturday night, but the Monroe Moccasins answered with five straight goals for a 5-1 win at the Monroe Civic Center in Monroe, Louisiana. The loss completes a season-opening weekend sweep for Monroe and leaves Southaven’s new pro hockey team 0-2 in its inaugural season.
The rematch came one night after Monroe beat the Monarchs 6-3 in the first game the franchise ever played.
Mid-South Monarchs Score First, Then Monroe Takes Over
Forward Jack Wren gave the Monarchs something to celebrate early. According to the team’s game recap, Wren cleanly beat Moccasins goaltender Chris Branch to put Mid-South ahead 1-0, the first time the club has led in a game.
The lead didn’t last. Monroe tied it on its first power play when Andrew Bellant scored his third goal of the young season. The Moccasins then went ahead 2-1 when Austin Pick finished a wraparound set up by Jamie Dorsey.
Second and Third Periods
The second period was tighter, with chances at both ends. The only goal came from Monroe’s Carlos Fornaris, whose slap shot went in off the crossbar for a 3-1 lead.
Monroe controlled the third period. Pick scored his second goal of the night on a well-placed pass to make it 4-1, and Fornaris added an empty-net goal late to finish off the 5-1 final.
By the numbers
- Final: Monroe Moccasins 5, Mid-South Monarchs 1
- Monarchs goal: Jack Wren
- Monroe goals: Austin Pick (2), Carlos Fornaris (2), Andrew Bellant
- Monarchs goalie: Tommy Nappier, 35 saves on 39 shots
- Moccasins goalie: Chris Branch, 30 saves on 31 shots
- Record: Monarchs 0-2
Nappier was busy again in net, facing 39 shots. The Monarchs got 31 shots on Branch but couldn’t solve him after Wren’s opening goal.
What’s Next for the Monarchs
The Mid-South Monarchs, who play in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), stay on the road next weekend. The team said it will make the long trip to Fresno, California, to play the Falcons in a two-game set starting Friday, Oct. 16. Both games will be streamed live on the Monarchs’ YouTube channel.
Fans in DeSoto County won’t have to wait much longer to see the team in person. The Monarchs’ first home game is set for Friday, Oct. 23, at the Landers Center in Southaven. Season and single-game tickets are on sale through the team.
Related: Mid-South Monarchs First Game Ends in 6-3 Loss at Monroe | Mid-South Monarchs Hockey Debuts; Home Opener Oct. 23
Source: Mid-South Monarchs
