While most teams take advantage of an off week to rest and recover, three of the Mavericks, Captain, Trevor Kraska, Jared Matley, and Hayden Hoover, took the opportunity to get some exposure at the next level as they spent the week with the Mavericks’ NCDC affiliate, the New Hampshire Monarchs. Following strong play during the first half of the season, these three players got the call up to skate with the Monarchs in Hooksett, New Hampshire. Immediately following the Mavericks’ home game this past Sunday against the Metro Jets, the trio hit the road for New Hampshire, where they would spend the week practicing and working out the Monarchs’ NCDC team. The three even got to stay with some of the members of the team to get a fully immersive experience. After a week of hard work, the guys found it to be an incredible learning experience. As Mavericks Captain, Trevor Kraska noted, “It was an eye opening experience to see how focused their players were.  After chatting with their players, I found out the lineup is never set ahead of time, they have to battle for their spots week in and week out, as a result, the practices are intense and players have to remain sharp at all times.” Goalie, Hayden Hoover, got a different perspective, facing shots from players at the next level: “The talent is so good up there, they are able to do anything with the puck.  They have every shot and are able to change their angles on the fly.  As a result, it was very difficult to pick up any tendencies they might have.  I was most impressed with their leadership group.  They had no problem getting guys to buy in and when someone got loose or stepped out of line, they were there to pull them back in.” The experience even made an impression on the Mavericks ownership and coaching staff, some of whom made the trip. “The New Hampshire Monarchs are a first class organization, from the moment we got there, they welcomed our guys in and made them feel part of the team.  Coach Frew and Coach Dalessio not only helped our guys, but helped us as an organization.  I really look forward to having them down to help us run an NCDC camp this summer in Columbus.” said Co-Owner, Joe Gillespie. The Mavs will take advantage of a second off-weekend to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this week. They are back in action on Friday, December 6th as they take on the Lake Erie Bighorns at the Mercyhurst Ice Center at 6:00 PM. You can catch all of the action on <span style="text-decoration:underline"><a href=http://www.hockeytv.com/ target=_blank>www.hockeytv.com</a>.