Harbor Monsters Rebranding as Minnesota Monsters, Joining AF1
The Duluth Harbor Monsters are shaking things up as they'll enter year three.
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are shaking things up as they’ll enter year three.
No longer are they a member of the Arena League but they also have a slight name change.
Wednesday, the team confirmed with Fox 21 that they will be joining the Arena Football One League and will now be called the Minnesota Monsters.
Arena Football One is a league made up of eight teams and are coast to coast with squads in New York, Texas, and Washington State among others.
GM and CEO Steve Walters detailed why now the time is right to move leagues.
“One, we wanted more competition but also more opportunity for our players. Our players work very very hard and to give them a better chance at joining the NFL, CFL, and the UFL. This platform will give that as well as for our fans. You guys got us here. Now, we’re going to be able to join the AF1. We’re going to be on a much stronger platform,” said Walters.
As for the fans who may not be thrilled with the team getting rid of the Duluth name, here’s what Walters had to say.
“We are still your Monsters, absoulutely. We are still playing in the same arena that you’re used to. We are still playing with the same players that you’re used to. We are coaching with the same coaches, still the same front office staff. When you show up wearing you’re legacy merch. You are our legacy. All these fans here, you are our legacy,” added Walters.
Besides the different opponents in the new league, the Monsters will also add more players to the line plus a kicker.
Before the Minnesota Monsters broke the news to FOX 21 in regards to them switching leagues.
Their former league, the Arena League handed out violations towards the team.
Head Coach Tony O’Neil has been suspended indefinitely after violating his suspension terms from earlier in the season.
On top of that, he and Walters are being investigated in regards to improper financial practices.
Lastly, the ownership status is being called into question after it was reported that Brent Labrie sold the team to Jacob Lambert.
Fox 21 will have continued coverage on the matter.
