Trey Fix-Wolansky And A Memorable First Season of Pro Hockey

Feb 23, 2020

Trey Fix-Wolansky experienced his first taste of professional hockey during the Cleveland Monsters’ run to the second round of the AHL’s 2019 Calder Cup Playoffs, but his first full professional campaign got off to a challenging start a few months later. After just four games into the 2019-20 season, Fix-Wolansky suffered a lower-body injury that sidelined him for almost two months.

 

“There were a lot of ups and downs…Obviously [this season] did not start the way that I wanted it to,” said Fix-Wolansky. “I got past that injury and just started focusing on the second half of the year. I knew that I did not have the start that I wanted to, so I had to prove it to myself and others the kind of player that I was.”

 

After returning to the Monsters lineup on Dec. 6, the forward spent the first half of the month finding his footing to earn a consistent spot in the lineup and working on his conditioning following his lengthy absence. Fix-Wolansky came back from the holiday break refreshed and prepared to build on his role with the team.

 

“He did a good job after break coming back and pressing the reset button,” said Monsters Head Coach Mike Eaves. “When [Fix-Wolansky] is playing at his top level, he is a little angry bowling ball. He has the speed to get in and be the first guy on the forecheck creating havoc, [but he also has] the ability with his hands to make plays.”

 

Fix-Wolansky immediately began producing for the Monsters following his break, providing six points over five games (1G, 5A) including his first professional multi-point game on January 3rd (2A). The twenty-year-old continues to contribute offensively for Cleveland in a variety of ways and is currently tied for the team’s lead in both power-play goals (4) and game-winning goals (3), as well as ranking sixth on the team in scoring (9G, 13A).

 

“Being able to play on the first and second line is a huge opportunity for me,” explained Fix-Wolansky. “I have to do my own thing and run with it because it does not last forever. I have to prove to [everyone] that I can play at this level, and I hope I am doing that so far.”

 

The Edmonton, AB, native had a unique chance to prove his value upon returning to Cleveland’s lineup - at that time, the Monsters were decimated by injuries and NHL call ups. While the moves created opportunities for Fix-Wolansky, including increased ice time, they also demonstrated to the rookie the fluid nature of AHL rosters.

 

“We still have enough depth of leadership that there are still guys that [Fix-Wolansky] can look to, see how they do their business and how they are pros. That is really what it is all about,” said Eaves. “We ask the guys to be pro people both on and off the ice. We still have guys that can do that and bring that example even with a key section of [the leadership] being gone.”

 

While leaning on proved locker-room leaders like Adam Clendening, Brett Gallant and Dillon Simpson, the coaching staff has also assisted in helping newer players find their niche. Working within an organization promoting more than being just a good player on the ice, Fix-Wolansky continues to hone his skills, as well as his personal life, in order to reach the next stage in his career.

 

“You have to come to the rink every day with the mindset to work to get better [in and outside of the rink]. Becoming a better person off the ice and [an improved] player on the ice go together,” said Fix-Wolansky. “I think no matter who gets the call [to Columbus] from down here, they will be able to go up there and play. If the opportunity comes for me, it will be huge.”

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