by Samantha Barlow | AHL Rhythm
Longevity in any league is a dream for most professional athletes. cleveland monsters left wing Roman Arkanthis is not just a dream, it is becoming a reality.
Akan had the opportunity to play for the Monsters on a pro tryout contract in 2022, fresh out of the University of Wisconsin. Now entering his fourth full season with the team, the 26-year-old Minnesota native has made his impact felt both on and off the ice, and his time with the team has made him a household name in Northeast Ohio — a fact he doesn't take lightly.
“I think just being here four years, your name and your face is being mentioned more and more,” Akhkan said. “My job is to have a positive impact on how people view me.”
Throughout his career, Arjan has made it a point to maintain a positive mindset and find time in and out of the season to reset and stay focused. What's his favorite way? Being in nature.
“I like to go fishing, hunt, just to distract myself…to get out in the wild and get away from the rink for a while. I think that's important. Being a pro is all about having that balance.”
Understanding the ins and outs of a system can create opportunities to settle into a rhythm and find a semblance of balance in life and sport.
“There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to call a place like this home,” Akan said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and I think it’s going to be great for me because I know what I’m going to go through every day.”
As a long-time member of the team, Akan can also be a foundational force for new players who come into the team each season. In order to emulate his rookie experience to new players, Arjan strives to lead by example.
“Show up every day with a good attitude — a positive attitude. Don't be an energy vampire,” Akan said. “Build connections around you. That's what makes me smile at the end of the day. I know I can come in and give it my all and other people will follow me and know that's what I'm going to do every day.”
Arkan has been consistent in his work with the organization, quietly slipping himself into the monster franchise's record books. Currently ranked sixth in games played by the organization and on his way into the top 10 in all-time goals, Ajan has good relationships with former Monsters players, some of whom have played a role in his development.
“There’s a lot of good hockey players that have played for this organization,” he said. “It's an honor to be around some of the guys on this roster, a lot of them that got me to where I am today. I had to work my butt off as a rookie … and find my way in this league. They did a lot to help me get here.”
Veterans have always been the guiding lights for rookies entering the league and developing. Akhkan’s story from rookie to veteran is no different, and he’s grateful for the impact the players before him had on his personal development.
“You see franchise leaders like this Trey (Fix Wolansky). He's in his second year with the Monsters, so he kind of understands the rules and what's going on around him,” Akan said.”Brett Gallant – He was another person who took me under his wing. He helped me a lot and made me feel comfortable and able to show up to games every day. “
Now, Arjan hopes to become a role model for young people and is proud of the opportunity to lead by example. In a league that is hyper-focused on development and what's next, Ahcan provides a perspective that promotes a team's current and focused mindset.
“The way I come to the ice every day and compete … I can show them how to be a long-term player in this league and be productive,” Akan said. “If I can at least do that, then they'll be happy to respect me and see that I'm committed to getting better and making them better.”
Ahcan’s reflection and appreciation of his journey has made him a well-rounded and effective teammate on and off the ice.
“Every day I get up and want to go to the ice, want to have fun, want to get better, want to be a better teammate – that's what keeps me going. At the end of the year, when you look back, you realize you gave it your all and no matter where the chips fell, it was special.”
Even in the face of adversity, consistency is still key, and for Ahcan, mentality is everything in a 72-game season. Regardless of the numbers in the win-loss column, he recognizes the rarity of his career trajectory and brings unparalleled energy to the Cleveland Monsters' roster each season.
As Monsters fans tune in to watch this season, they will want to follow this determined leader as he continues to make an impact on the organization and Northeast Ohio.
