11.12.02 - A recent 10-game unbeaten streak has put the Manchester Monarchs atop the Eastern Conference throne in the American Hockey League.

The second-year club, with former AHL scoring champion Bruce Boudreau behind the bench, shook off an opening night loss and proceeded to go on a 10-game tear, which included eight consecutive victories.

After one month of the 2002-03 season, the Monarchs own the top spot in the AHL's North Division and the best record (9-2-1-0) in the Eastern Conference.

Manchester also leads the league in attendance, averaging 8,346 fans for each of their six home dates thus far at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

Prior to his recall to the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, first-year pro Mike Cammalleri was leading the Monarchs' offense with 14 points in nine games, while headlining an impressive troupe of AHL rookies that includes Jared Aulin (3+5=8 pts.), Yanick Lehoux (4+4=8), Scott Barney (three game-winning goals) and Cristobal Huet (5-1-1 in seven appearances).

Defensemen Joe Corvo, with five goals and 14 points already this season, and Jason Holland (10 assists) anchor the league's top-ranked power play unit, as the Monarchs have scored 24 times with the man advantage through 12 games.

Up front, 2002 AHL All-Star Eric Healey (6+6=12 pts.), 2000 Stanley Cup champion Steve Kelly (5+8=13) and 11-year NHL veteran Steve Heinze (6+7=13) lead an offense that is averaging four goals per game, second-most in the league.

Manchester's winning ways haven't been without excitement. The Monarchs are already 6-0-0 in one-goal decisions and 3-0-1 in overtime, and have scored 22 of their 48 goals in the third period or OT.