Vegas’ Mono taking his game to next level at Curry College
When Alec Mono committed to NCAA Division III Curry College last season, he said he chose the school “because of the rich hockey culture it has.”
Now in the home stretch of his freshman season, Mono is experiencing that culture firsthand, manning the blue line for the Colonels, part of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC).
“So far, my season at Curry has been going well,” the 20-year-old Las Vegas native said. “I feel comfortable on the back end and playing good minutes.”
Curry is located in Milton, Mass., about 10 miles south of Boston.
Last season, Mono played for the New Jersey Rockets of the Eastern Hockey League, racking up 22 points in 41 games.
“The transition from juniors to college was a slight game at the start of the season,” said Mono. “College is a lot quicker, more skill, and much more physicality. As I kept playing, I became acclimated to the change and started to feel comfortable with myself and how I was playing.”
As a youth, Mono skated with the Las Vegas/Nevada Storm association from Mites to Pee Wees and then captaining the 16U team in 2012-13. He said coaches Eldon Reddick, Ken Quinney and Rob Pallin had a positive influence on his career.
The hot topic in Vegas these days is the NHL’s Golden Knights, something that has Mono excited.
“The Golden Knights coming to town is huge for the Las Vegas community,” said Mono. “This will help grow the sport of hockey in the desert. Many people don’t think of Las Vegas as an ideal place to play hockey, but there are numerous players competing at high levels, as well as a growing number in the community. This will be a huge success in town.”
As Curry enters the home stretch of the season, Mono wants to keep the success coming.
“My personal expectations are to keep doing what I do best and the rest will follow,” said Mono. “Team goals are to win the CCC and have the shot to play in the NCAA Tournament.”
— Matt Mackinder
