Manchester Monarchs Claim ECHL North Division Crown in Thrilling Finish

The Manchester Monarchs captured the ECHL North Division championship Friday night, capping a stellar regular season that propelled them to the top of the standings. Playing out of SNHU Arena in downtown Manchester, the team finished with the league's best record in their division, earning home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Initially reported by Boston 25 News, the clinch came amid a five-game win streak to close the 2025-26 campaign, drawing packed crowds from across southern New Hampshire.

Key performers powered the Monarchs' run, with forward Matt Mistele leading the charge, notching 28 goals and 45 assists for 73 points in 72 games. Goaltender Logan Thompson anchored the defense, posting a 2.15 goals-against average and .925 save percentage, earning ECHL Goaltender of the Month honors in March. Captain Ryan MacKinnon provided steady leadership, logging over 200 penalty minutes while contributing 15 goals from the blue line, embodying the gritty style that resonates with Manchester's blue-collar fans.

This title revives memories of the Monarchs' storied past in New Hampshire hockey. The ECHL squad, launched in 2015-16 after the AHL Monarchs relocated to Ontario, has now reached the Division Finals three straight years, including a 7-1 rout of Adirondack in the 2019 semifinals. Hosted at the former Verizon Wireless Arena—now SNHU Arena—the team's success boosts local economy, filling seats with families from Nashua to Concord and fostering youth hockey programs statewide.

Looking ahead, Manchester awaits their first-round playoff opponent, with sights set on the Kelly Cup Playoffs presented by SmileDirectClub. Coach Daryl Knight praised the locker room unity: 'This group's heart mirrors New Hampshire's resilience.' As the Queen City buzzes, the Monarchs aim to bring a championship parade down Elm Street.