by Samantha Barlow | AHL On The Beat
Longevity in any league is the dream of many professional players. Cleveland Monsters left wing Roman Ahcanthat was not just a dream, it has come true.
Fresh out of the University of Wisconsin in 2022, Ahcan was offered an opportunity to play for the Monsters on a professional tryout contract. He’s now in his fourth full season with the franchise, and the 26-year-old Minnesota native’s impact is being felt on the ice while his time with the organization has allowed him to become a household name in Northeast Ohio — a fact he doesn’t take lightly.
“I think since I’ve been here for just four years, your name and your face is growing a lot,” Ahcan said. “It’s my job to have a positive impact on what people think of me.”
Throughout his career, Ahcan has placed an emphasis on maintaining a positive attitude and finding time in and out of the season to reset and stay focused. His favorite way to do that? Being outside in nature.
“I like to go fishing, to hunt, to take my mind off things like that… to get out in the wilderness and get away from the rink for a while. I think that’s important. Being a professional is about having that balance.”
Understanding the ins and outs of the system creates opportunities to settle into a rhythm and find that same balance in life and sports.
“It is not guaranteed that you will be able to call a place home like this,” said Ahcan. “I’m grateful for that opportunity and I think it’s been good for me because I know what I’m getting into every day.”
Being a long-term member of the team allows Ahcan to be the foundation of new players entering the franchise each season. Imitating his rookie experience on incoming players, Ahcan made efforts to lead by example.
“Show up every day with a positive mindset – a positive mindset. Don’t be a power vampire,” Ahcan said. “Build people around you. That’s what makes me smile at the end of the day. Knowing that I can come in and give it my all and everyone will follow me knowing that’s what I’m going to do every day.”
Ahcan has been consistent during his time with the organization, allowing himself to enter the record books for the Monsters franchise. Currently tied for sixth in games played with the organization and tied for the top 10 in scoring, Ahcan is in good hands with former Monsters players, several of whom played a role in his development.
“There are many good hockey players who have played in this organization,” he said. “It’s an honor to have some of these guys on the roster and a lot of those guys got me to where I am today. I’ve had to work since I was a rookie… and find my way through this league. They did a lot to help me get here.”
The veterans have been guiding lights for the rookies as they enter and develop in the league. Ahcan’s story from rookie to veteran is no different, and he gives a lot of credit to the players who came before him for the impact they had on his growth.
“You look to franchise leaders like them Trey (Fix-Wolansky). He was in his second year with Zilo so he knew the ropes and what was going on,” said Ahcan.Brett Gallant – he was another guy who took me under his wing. He’s been a big part of making me feel comfortable and able to come out every day and compete.”
Ahcan now hopes to be a similar figure for the younger boys, relishing the opportunity to lead by example. In a league that is so focused on development and next steps, Ahcan offers a vision that promotes a current and focused mindset within the team.
“The way I come to the rink every day and compete… I can show them what it takes to be a long-time player in this league and be successful,” Ahcan said. “If I can at least do that, it will be good for them to watch me and see that I am determined to get better and make them better.”
Ahcan’s reflection and appreciation of his journey has been key in making him a complete and effective teammate on and off the ice.
“Wake up every day and you want to go to the rink and you want to have fun and you want to get better and you want to be a better teammate – that’s what keeps me going. At the end of the year when you look back, it’s very important to know that you gave it your all and wherever the chips fall, they fall.”
Consistency is still key, even in the face of adversity, and Ahcan’s mindset is everything when navigating a 72-game season. Aside from the numbers in the win-loss columns, you can see the uniqueness of his career path and bring unmatched energy to the Cleveland Monsters’ roster every season.
As Monsters fans tune in to this season, they will want to keep an eye on this focused leader as he continues to impact the organization and Northeast Ohio.
