In just their second season in the AHL in 2008-09, the Monsters boasted the ninth-highest attendance average in the league, up from 11th the previous year. The team ended the year in grand style, hosting close to 17,700 fans in the season finale, a franchise record, as well as the 11th-highest total in the 73-year history of the AHL. The Monsters, the top affiliate of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, saw a record 15 players get called up to the Avs last season, with a Colorado-franchise record 11making their NHL debut.

The team recorded 11 more points and eight more wins in 2008-09 than in their inaugural 2007-08 season. The Monsters sent two players to the AHL All-Star Game, including goalie Tyler Weiman, who led the league in shutouts on the season. A true testament to the success in Lake Erie was Monsters head coach Joe Sacco and assistant coach Sylvain Lefebvre recently being named head and assistant coaches, respectively, for the Avalanche.

In 2008-09, the Monsters also continued their commitment to the local community, hosting numerous school, hospital and youth hockey team visits throughout the year, as well as conducting various charitable fundraising efforts.

"Coming off the momentum of a successful second season last year, we are planning for an even bigger and better season in 2009-10," said Monsters President, Kerry Bubolz. “We remain committed to giving our fans the best product on and off the ice, and know that they will have a ‘monster’ of a time when they come out to The Q for a game.”

Fans can expect the same fun, affordable family entertainment at Monsters games in the coming season that they enjoyed during the team’s first two years at The Q. The ever-popular Dollar Dog Fridays will continue this year, with hot dogs and sodas being sold for just one dollar each at all Friday night games, courtesy of Sugardale, Pepsi and FOX Sports Ohio. Throughout the previous 40-game home schedules, fans have been treated to free postgame open skates and autograph sessions with the full team, free premium item giveaways and special celebrity appearances.<p>

Season ticket and group ticket packages are available now by calling 216-420-0000 or clicking here.