DULUTH — A repeat appearance in the Arena Mania championship game seemed like a long shot at best for the Duluth Harbor Monsters following a rocky start to the 2025 season.

Suspensions, last-minute coordinator changes and late-arriving key personnel created a less-than-ideal foundation for on-field success.

In spite of the early season adversity, confidence within the team never wavered.

“(We didn't know) where it was heading, but (we) knew that we’d wind up here in the championship all along,” said coach Tony O’Neil.

After reaching the mountain top in The Arena League's inaugural season, the Harbor Monsters (7-2) are one victory away from repeating as league champions.

Standing in the way are the Hot Springs (Arkansas) Wiseguys (5-3), an expansion team for the 2025 season that holds

See Full Page