Ian Clark's Monarchs Insider: Just some routine business

GOFFSTOWN – Home ice has been very nice for the Manchester Monarchs.

The Monarchs are 7-2-0 for 14 points and first place in the AHL Atlantic Division. Manchester is 4-0 at home, outscoring opponents 15-1 with three shutouts. The Monarchs are back home with games at Verizon Wireless Arena Friday night (Providence, 7:30 p.m.) and Saturday (Worcester, 7 p.m.).

"We've taken a lot of pride this year in making sure that we put on a good show and play really well at home," said Monarchs right wing Kevin Westgarth. "Maybe we're going to shock a few people."

Aside from the obvious perks of playing at home like sleeping in your own bed and having your fans behind you, there are several other factors that help a team succeed in its own building.

"There's a great deal. I think just the comfort of your surroundings," said Monarchs head coach Mark Morris. "I think your routines are very important, especially for hockey players since a lot of them are superstitious. I think that all plays into a team that plays well at home."

Routines themselves become a sort of superstition for many players, who like to dress in a certain order or take the ice last for pre-game skate.

"Some guys are superstitious, having stuff in the dressing room a certain way," said center Gabe Gauthier. "When you're on the road, things are mixed up and out of place. It's like being at home for (any) person, you feel more comfortable."

Westgarth, who has always been a fan favorite for his toughness and willingness to drop the gloves, agrees.

"I think everybody's got some sort of superstition," he said. "I think a lot of the routines end up being superstitions because it mentally prepares you. If you don't do something, you don't feel like you're ready and if you don't feel ready, you're not going to be ready."

Playing at home can have its down side as well, but Morris says that the makeup of the Monarchs makes that less of an issue than with older teams.

"Oftentimes, obligation to family and friends and the daily routines of home life can act as a distraction," Morris said. "But I think a good thing for this team is that a lot of guys are still single and their lives are fairly simple at this stage of their development. They have hockey as the main focus."

Whatever it is, it's working for the Monarchs so far.

BERNIER BOUNCING BACK: Monarchs top goalie Jonathan Bernier has been held out of practice this week as he rests an injured wrist that forced him to miss the start against Providence last Saturday.

But the outlook is good for Bernier, who is expected to get his shot at Providence on Friday night.

"We got some positive reports (yesterday)," Morris said. "We're going to give him another day of rest but he should be ready to go, from what I'm hearing."

Ian Clark covers the Manchester Monarchs for the New Hampshire Union leader and Sunday News. His e-mail address is iclark@unionleader.com.