The 2010-11 season marked the best in franchise history for the Lake Erie Monsters. In review of the team’s success, the following is a look back at what the Monsters accomplished on the ice, in the community and in the record books. From both a team and individual standpoint, many milestones were achieved over the course of the season.

Season Review

Prior to the 2010-11 season, Lake Erie’s record for points in a single season was 77, which was established during the 2009-10 campaign. But with a record of 44-28-3-5 this season, the Monsters claimed 96 points to set a new franchise precedent and finish second in a competitive North Division.

Within those 96 points, Lake Erie went 24-11-2-3 at home and 20-17-1-2 on the road, both of which set franchise marks.

During the second half of the season, the Monsters strung together a seven-game home winning streak (February 6-March 4), an eight-game road winning streak (March 11-April 2) and an eight-game overall run (March 11-March 26), all of which set franchise records.

The Monsters also welcomed more fans to Quicken Loans Arena than ever before in a single season. This year, 262,735 were welcomed to The Q, which includes an average of 6,568, the sixth-highest in the league.

Those fans were treated to exciting individual performances from both rookie and veteran players in this year’s lineup.

Captain Ben Walter posted 70 points, tying a franchise record to points in a single season (T.J. Hensick, 2009-10). Walter’s 70 points led the Monsters this year, as did his 47 assists and plus-26 rating.

Right wing Matt Ford, who has spent parts of the last three seasons with Lake Erie, also tied an individual milestone by netting 26 goals (Brian Willsie, 2009-10).

Rookie center Mike Carman set a single-season record with six shorthanded goals, while six shorthanded markers also stand as the most of any Monster in franchise history.

Goaltender Jason Bacashihua, who played his third season in four years with Lake Erie, also etched his name into the all-time franchise ranks. With a record of 23-16-3, Bacashihua set a record for single season wins by a Lake Erie netminder.

Bacashihua, who posted a 2.29 GAA and a .917 save percentage this season, ranks second among all-time franchise goaltenders in games played (100), wins (41) and shutouts (7).

John Grahame also had a stellar season in net for the Monsters. The NHL veteran of 224 games posted a 19-12-2 record, while he was named the Reebok/AHL Goaltender of the Month for his efforts in January.

Grahame finished the season with one shutout, a 2.39 GAA and a .911 save percentage.

The Monsters won four of their last five regular season games and 12 of their final 15 contests, finishing second in the North Division to take home ice advantage for the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

By the Numbers

193 – shots taken by Matt Ford during the regular season led the team.

100 – Goaltender Jason Bacashihua appeared in his 100th career game as a Monster during Lake Erie’s 3-0 win against Abbotsford on April 9th at The Q.

96 – points earned by the Monsters sets a franchise mark (77, 2009-10).

80 – Forward Justin Mercier was the lone Monster to appear in all 80 regular season games this season.

70 – points recorded by captain Ben Walter, which tied a franchise record (T.J. Hensick, 2009-10).

47 – assists by captain Ben Walter led the Monsters this season.

44 – regular season victories by the Monsters established a franchise record.

26 – goals scored by Matt Ford this season, which ties a franchise record for goals in a single campaign (Brian Willsie, 2009-10).

24 – home victories by the Monsters sets a franchise record.

16 – Monsters were called up to parent club Colorado this season.

8 – consecutive victories by Lake Erie from March 11-March 18 established a franchise high.

7 – goals in a 7-2 win in Grand Rapids on March 18 established a season high for goals scored in a game, while it tied a franchise mark for goals in a single contest.

6 – shorthanded goals by rookie center Mike Carman set a franchise record for shorthanded goals in a single season.

5 – Patrick Rissmiller tied a franchise record with five points in a 6-3 victory over Chicago on December 3, while his four goals set a franchise mark that night.

4 – the Monsters were a perfect 4-0-0-0 against Eastern Conference teams this season.

2 – Monsters made their NHL debuts this year (Jonas Holos, Mark Olver).

1 – the Monsters made their first-ever trip to the Calder Cup playoffs, as they finished second in the North Division to obtain home ice advantage for the playoffs.

Monsters in the Community

Along with their success on the ice, the Monsters enjoyed a strong campaign of community involvement this year.

Among the most popular events was Tour with the Monsters (presented by Time Warner Cable and Zeppe's Pizza), an event that allows fans to watch the Monsters practice before hitting the ice for an open skate and autograph session with the entire team.

Tour with the Monsters made five stops throughout the Cleveland community this season.

Another traveling event that fans enjoyed this year was the Respect Tour. The Respect Tour, which made stops at seven local elementary schools this season, teaches kids about respecting their peers, setting goals and pursuing their life-long dreams.

Noodle Hockey was another prominent event on the team’s community events schedule this season. Lake Erie players visited assisted living centers throughout the community and played residents in a friendly contests.

Noodle hockey began a few years ago when a local establishment challenged the Monsters to a game.

The team held toy and food drives around the holidays and handed out holiday dinners to those in need.

Players made dozens of appearances throughout the season, doing everything from visiting patients in the hospital to teaching underprivileged kids how to skate.  They also raised money for local charities by doing such unconventional things as shaving their heads.

The team made an impact not only on the ice, but in Northeast Ohio neighborhoods as well.