Mike Vernace, who led all Monsters defensemen with 26 assists in the team's first season, will be checking in with LakeErieMonsters.com regularly throughout the summer.  The 22-year-old blueliner was Lake Erie's "iron man," playing in all but one game during the season, finishing with 29 points (3G, 26A) in 79 games.

Hey Monsters Fans!

Well, the summer is underway, and that means summer training regimens are back in action. So far I'm about six weeks into my workouts. I didn't take too much time off after the season, only about 10 days or so. I hung around Cleveland for a week and went to see some Indians games and a Cavs game, which were a lot of fun.

It was tough for the Monsters to keep up with the rest of the pro sports teams in town because they each have had their fair share of success in recent seasons. But, it was our first year, so bigger and better things are definitely ahead!

Since being home in Ontario, I have been out to see some baseball games, some soccer games, and of course I was following the NHL Playoffs. I've also been playing some golf and working on keeping my score down. I just got a new Nike driver so I'm trying to actually keep the ball in the fairway now!

With the Stanley Cup over, now I've turned my attention to the European Championships of Soccer. I enjoy watching soccer, so I'll watch most of the games, but I'll be cheering for Italy since my dad and his family came from there.

I actually just got back from a hockey tournament that I played in with Chris Stewart. It was really good to see him, since I lived with him and David Jones during the season.

I have been enjoying my summer thus far, and I hope you all are as well.  Except for the fact that the weather has been unpredictable up here. My girlfriend and I have enjoyed some nice days at the beach with friends, but then other days I've needed my winter jacket. Hopefully the weather will start to get better soon!

Talk to you all soon -

Mike Vernace