Cleveland Monsters’ Passionate Fanbase Fuels Calder Cup Playoff Run
CLEVELAND, OH — The Cleveland Monsters are charging through the Calder Cup Playoffs, backed by one of the most spirited fanbases in minor league hockey. As they battle the Toronto Marlies in the North Division Finals, their supporters—from the rowdy “Wooly Bully Crew” to the charitable Cleveland Hockey Booster Club—are proving just as vital as the players on the ice.
The Heartbeat of the Monsters
Monsters President Mike Ostrowski credits the team’s loyal fans as the driving force behind their success.
“Our fans are the backbone of everything we do,” Ostrowski said. “Playoff hockey is electric, and they bring that energy every single night. We wouldn’t be here without them.”
Among the most recognizable supporters is the Wooly Bully Crew, a tight-knit group that dominates Section M115 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Named after their signature chant—a raucous rendition of Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs’ “Wooly Bully”—the crew has turned game days into a full-blown spectacle.
Greg Schwert, a longtime season ticket holder and the group’s unofficial leader, wears a buffalo hat to every game.
“We started as strangers in the same section,” Schwert said. “Now, we’re family. We’ve celebrated wins, endured losses, and even supported each other through tough times off the ice.”
More Than Just Cheers
While the Wooly Bully Crew brings the noise, the Cleveland Hockey Booster Club focuses on community impact. The group, which attends every game, raises thousands for local causes.
“We’re about more than just hockey,” said treasurer Dave Uhrin. “This year alone, we’ve awarded $17,000 in scholarships. The Monsters’ playoff run has brought the city together, and we’re proud to be part of that.”
Uhrin, like Schwert, emphasizes the friendships forged through hockey.
“We’ve had season tickets for 15 years,” he said. “The people we’ve met along the way? They’re family now.”
A Playoff Push with Fan Momentum
The Monsters dropped Game 1 of the North Division Finals but have a chance to even the series in Game 2 on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Win or lose, one thing is certain: Section M115 will be rocking, and the Wooly Bully Crew will be leading the charge.
“This is what hockey’s all about,” Schwert said. “The team, the fans, the community—it’s all connected.”
— Reported by Nexio News
