‘I’m Benefitting From The Work I Put In’, Trey Fix-Wolansky Scores 100th AHL Goal
Photo Credit : Cleveland Monsters
On May 3, 2019, 19-year-old forward Trey Fix-Wolansky suited up as a member of the Cleveland Monsters for the first time. Two games later, Fix-Wolansky scored his first professional playoff goal in Cleveland’s 6-2 loss to the Toronto Marlies in game four of the second round of the 2019 Calder Cup Playoffs. It was an effortless snipe through the five-hole of Marlies’ goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo.
During the 2019-20 season opener against the Laval Rocket, Fix-Wolansky scored his first regular-season goal with a backhander down the slot. This was a game-winning goal in the final two minutes of play. Something Fix-Wolansky has become known for over the years.
Fast forward to December 14, 2024. Cleveland is down 2-1 in the middle of the third period against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. A now 25-year-old assistant captain Fix-Wolansky dropped to his knee and fired a rocket from the middle of the blue line into the back of the net. “There was a good screen in front by our two players. So, the puck found its way in,” said Fix-Wolansky of his game-tying goal.
When the puck entered the net, 11,570 fans erupted into a ruckus cheer because their favorite player kept the game alive. Moments later, a graphic appeared on the Hunmungotron and the voice of Public Address Announcer Jasen Sokol congratulated Fix-Wolansky on scoring his 100th AHL goal. The crowd roared to deafening heights to celebrate the first member of the Monsters to score 100 goals with the team.
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Fix-Wolansky’s first full season was not an ideal one for a rookie. Battling an injury and a small bout of homesickness, he struggled to find a groove. Just as things started to click, the season and the world shut down for COVID-19.
From the COVID shutdown to now, there have been many variables at play involving where Fix-Wolansky’s career would end up. He wasn’t sure if he'd still be in Cleveland lighting the AHL on fire almost five years later. One thing Fix-Wolansky did know was that he wanted to be an asset to the team from the beginning. “Coming out of Junior and being a high-scoring guy, I wanted to come and translate that game over,” said Fix-Wolansky.
With that being said, despite the injuries and the COVID-19 shutdown, he went to work day in and day out to achieve the many goals he had set as a rookie. “I think I just stuck with it and now I’m benefitting from the work that I put in,” said Fix-Wolansky.
One of the benefits of his hard work was gaining the admiration of the Cleveland fanbase. “As the years go by and you get older you start to cherish those moments more,” said Fix-Wolasnky. “I’m super happy to be part of Cleveland, the Cleveland Monsters organization, and just the city as whole. I think it’s treated me super special and I’m really happy to play here.”
A previously scheduled auction for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History themed jerseys took place shortly after Fix-Wolansky scored his 100th goal on Saturday. Clutching his jersey with the Dunkleosteus logo affixed to the front, Fix-Wolansky stood in awe as the bids quickly rolled in.
$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
$4,000
$5,000
Until it finally hit $6,500.
Fix-Wolansky was absolutely stunned.
“It was pretty insane, honestly. I haven’t seen anything like that, but it’s for a great cause,” said Fix-Wolansky of his jersey sale. “Our fans are really appreciative and we are appreciative of our fans. I think that just shows how much they care about this team and how much they care about me.”
As Monsters fans will tell you, it’s easy to care about a player who has bought into the magic of the city of Cleveland and its sports fans since day one.
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You can watch Trey Fix-Wolansky’s interview about his 100th AHL goal and see part of the post-game auction on YouTube.
