#MorganAdams-Moisan

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KEELEY: MARINERS WEEKLY: 2019-20 SEASON RECAP

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME: Here is a recap of key dates and events from the 2019-2020 season. Mar. 24, 2020 – Regardless of the hockey team one played, worked, or rooted for in 2019-20, it will be a season they’ll never forget. An abrupt end to the ECHL season cut down the Maine Mariners schedule to 62 games and took away what looked to be the first postseason appearance in franchise history. While we’ll never know how the 2019-20 season would have turned out in the end, the second season of Mariners hockey brought many exciting moments to the Cross Insurance Arena and the great hockey fans of Maine. Here are some significant moments that marked the shortened, but a memory-filled season that was. October 11th, 2019 vs. ADK: The Mariners open the season at home against the Adirondack Thunder, just as they did in their inaugural campaign. Unfortunately, history repeats itself and the Mariners suffered a 5-2 loss. Taylor Cammarata scores both Maine goals, attempting to bring them back from a 3-0 deficit late. October 19th, 2019 @ REA: The Mariners get their first win of the season, spoiling the Reading Royals home opener. Tom McCollum(who would ironically become a Royal later in the season), makes 44 saves, and the Mariners put up 5 goals in a 5-3 victory. This would turn out to be their lone win in Reading for the season. November 9th, 2019 vs. ADK: In front of the largest crowd of the season (4,588) on Military Appreciation Night, Jake Elmer nets the first of four Mariners hat tricks, leading the Mariners to a 5-1 win over Adirondack. November 11th, 2019 vs. REA: With Gritty in the building, the Mariners defeat the Reading Royals, 4-3 in overtime. Alex Kile scores the game-winning goal just 23 seconds into the extra period, his first goal of the season. Kile would prove to be a clutch OT player for the Mariners all season long. November 15th, 2019 vs. BRM: The Mariners honor NHL refereeing great, Maine Sports Hall of Fame inductee, and South Portland resident Wes McCauley, as they defeat the Brampton Beast, 6-3 despite letting a 3-0 lead slip away quickly late in the 2nd period. The win is the Mariners’ fourth in a row. November 26th, 2019 vs. WOR: After losing two of three in Norfolk, the Mariners return home before Thanksgiving to win a wild one in overtime, 5-4 in their first home meeting of the season with the Worcester Railers. Ryan Gropp scores two goals while Kile gets his second overtime winner in the span of 15 days. This turns out to be the final game for Railers head coach Jamie Russell, who is relieved of his duties the following day. December 6th, 2019 @ ADK: Jake Elmer registers his second hat trick against Adirondack in less than a month, capping it with the overtime winner to rescue the Mariners, who had blown a 4-1 lead. It was only Maine’s second-ever win at the Cool Insuring Arena but would turn out to be the start of a remarkable Mariners run in Glens Falls. December 7th, 2019 vs. ADK: Elmer continues his dominance of the Thunder, scoring the Teddy Bear Toss goal early, and adding his fifth goal of the weekend to later tie the game at 4 in the third period. Ty Ronning’s shorthanded goal is the game-winner and Elmer goes on to win ECHL Player of the Week honors. December 10th, 2019 vs. ADK: Francois Brassard makes his season debut and gets the win as Dillan Fox tips home a Brandon Crawley pass in the final minute of overtime to give the Mariners a 3-2 win and a three-game sweep of Adirondack. December 21st, 2019 @ ADK: The Mariners finish off back-to-back pre-Christmas 4-3 shootout wins in Adirondack when Taylor Cammarata scores in the fifth round to end it. Each game featured the Thunder tying it up late, but the Mariners getting the shootout bonus point. Maine goes into holiday break in sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot in the North Division and a season-high four games above .500. January 3rd, 2020 vs. JAX: The Mariners and the Jacksonville IceMen meet for the first time ever, and Maine rallies from down 3-2 late in the 2nd to get a 5-3 win. Terrence Wallin’s first career hat trick leads the way as he scores one in each period, including the game-winner in the third. January 14th, 2020 vs. WOR: The Mariners snapped a five-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over Worcester at home. Rookie forward Mikael Robidoux enters the scene, stirring up physical play and drawing the Railers into penalties, ultimately allowing the Mariners to score back-to-back power play goals late in the 3rd to flip the score in their favor. January 24th, 2020 vs. WOR: Returning from the All-Star break after playing eight games in ten days, the Mariners explode for a franchise-best eight goals – three by Ty Ronning. They score three goals in a 58-second span in the 2nd period to pull away. Adam Huska makes his Mariners debut in between the pipes and makes 43 saves. January 29th, 2020 @ ADK: The Mariners win yet again in Glens Falls 3-0, as Connor LaCouvee picks up his third shutout in a span of 10 starts and his second in a row. Their win two nights later makes it six consecutive road victories over Adirondack. The streak goes to seven with another win in mid-February. February 1st, 2020 vs. ADK: In a partnership with Agren and Make-A-Wish Maine, the Mariners wear jerseys designed by 11-year-old “Wish Kid” Ellie LaBree, and take down the Thunder, 3-2 in OT. Michael McNicholas scores the golden goal, which improves the franchise’s all-time “extra time” record to 20-3-2 (W-OTL-SOL). February 7th, 2020 vs. WOR: LaCouvee makes 45 stops to lead the Mariners to a season-high five wins in a row, squeezing out a 2-1 victory over Worcester. The streak ends the following night, with a 3-2 OT loss to Brampton, but the point streak gets to six. February 11th, 2020 vs. BRM: The Mariners salvage the last of a three-game home set with the Brampton Beast when Alex Kile gets his third OT winner of the season with less than a minute remaining. This would turn out to be the final win on home ice for the Mariners in 2019-20. February 14th, 2020 @ NFL: The Mariners are on the wrong side of some ECHL history when the Newfoundland Growlers win their 19th consecutive home game, 5-1. The Mariners fall to 0-5-0-0 all-time at Mile One Centre, but the best is yet to come. February 15th, 2020 @ NFL: Morgan Adams-Moisan scores a late power play goal to break a 1-1 tie and end the Growlers’ streak before it can reach 20. Francois Brassard gets his first of consecutive wins in between the pipes as the Mariners go on to take three in a row in St. John’s, becoming the first team to ever do so against the Growlers. February 26th, 2020 @ REA: The Royals crush the Mariners, 8-0, the largest margin of defeat in franchise history. The Mariners play the game with just four defensemen due to injuries and the last moment illness to captain Zach Tolkinen. February 28th, 2020 @ WHE: The franchise’s first trip to Wheeling marks a homecoming for Mariners Head Coach Riley Armstrong, who was an assistant for the Nailers from 2016-18. Terrence Wallin scores a pair – including the beneficiary of a Nailers' “own goal,” and Greg Chase scores the game-winner in the 3rd. This becomes Maine’s final victory of the season. March 10th, 2020 vs. NOR: The fateful final game of the season, unbeknownst to anyone. The Mariners battled back from a pair of one-goal deficits but Norfolk’s J.C. Campagna scores on a breakaway with 2:05 left to hand the Mariners a 3-2 loss. The final goal of the Mariners’ season belongs to Cumberland native, Ted Hart. The Mariners' final record will read 32-26-3-1. They went 16-15-2-0 on home ice and 16-11-1-1 on the road (they had only 15 road wins in all of 2018-19). When the season halted, the Mariners were 11 points ahead of Adirondack for the fourth and final playoff spot in the North Division, and three points behind Brampton for third place. They had seven games remaining with Worcester, two with Adirondack, and one with Reading. CLICK HERE for a video recap of the 2019-20 season! 2019-20 Records: Overall: 32-26-3-1 Home: 16-15-2-0 Road: 16-11-1-1 vs. ADK: 12-4-0-0 vs. WOR: 7-2-1-1 vs. NFL: 5-6-0-0 vs. BRM: 3-2-2-0 vs. REA: 2-6-0-0 The Mariners used 42 different players this season: 23 forwards, 15 defensemen, and 4 goaltenders. 2019-20 Team Leaders: Points: Alex Kile (51) Goals: Terrence Wallin/Dillan Fox (23) Assists: Alex Kile (35) Games Played: Michael McNicholas (60) PIM: Mikael Robidoux (80) PPG: Terrence Wallin/Dillan Fox (5) SHG: Michael McNicholas (2) GWG: Terrence Wallin (7) Wins: Connor LaCouvee (20) GAA: Connor LaCouvee (2.75) SV%: Connor LaCouvee (.915) Notable League Ranks (Individual): Terrence Wallin – T-2nd, game-winning goals (7) Alex Kile – T-2nd, longest road point streak (12 games, 11/22/19-1/7/20) Connor LaCouvee – 4th, saves (1060), 4th, shootout SV% (.833), 13th, GAA (2.75) Ryan Culkin – 16th, points by a defenseman (33) Notable League Ranks (Team): Team, shorthanded goals against – T-3rd (4) Team, penalty kill – 6th (83.7%) Team, road penalty kill – 6th (85.5%) Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS WEEKLY: MIRACLE REMEMBERED

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME: Feb. 17, 2020 – The Mariners went riding high into a pair of off-days in Newfoundland after bringing the Growlers’ ECHL record 19 game win streak to an end on Saturday night at Mile One Centre in St. John’s. The Growlers set a new mark with a 5-1 win over the Mariners on Friday, passing the 18 game streak of the 1994-95 South Carolina Stingrays, but a 3-1 Maine win on Saturday kept the streak from reaching 20. Two games remain in Newfoundland on Tuesday and Wednesday, before the Mariners head back stateside to meet Adirondack on Saturday and finally return home for one more with the Growlers on Sunday afternoon in Portland. One day after the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Olympics, the Mariners will honor the famous Lake Placid event in the final home game of February. The week that was Tues, Feb. 11th – BRM: 2, MNE: 3/OT 3-2 was the score of choice in all three games between the Mariners and Brampton Beast as they played a trio of games at the Cross Insurance Arena last week, Brampton winning on Saturday and Sunday. The Beast jumped out to a pair of one-goal leads, following the pattern of the series’ previous games, but the Mariners rallied to erase a 2-1 third period deficit before Alex Kile delivered his third overtime winner of the season with less than a minute to go in the extra session. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Fri, Feb. 14th – MNE: 1, NFL: 5 The Growlers sought an ECHL record as they went for their 19th consecutive home win and grabbed a 3-0 lead through the middle part of the 2nd period. It was then that Conner Bleackley got the Mariners on the board, but they’d get no closer, as Newfoundland added on two more to skate away with the record and improve to 5-0 all-time vs. the Mariners on their home ice. FULL GAME RECAP Sat, Feb 15th – MNE: 3, NFL: 1 The Mariners got the first goal of the game for the first time in five contests as Michael McNicholas struck on the power play early in the 2nd. Newfoundland’s Riley Woods responded to tie the game late in the frame and it remained 1-1 until the Mariners power play found the net again with less than 90 seconds to go in the third on Morgan Adams-Moisan’s tap-in goal. Greg Chase added an empty netter and Newfoundland’s home win streak was stopped at 19 games. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Transactions (oldest to most recent) D JEFF TAYLOR AND F LEWIS-ZERTER GOSSAGE WERE ASSIGNED TO MAINE FROM HARTFORD (AHL) F JAKE ELMER WAS RECALLED TO HARTFORD (AHL) BY THE NEW YORK RANGERS (NHL) D BRANDON CRAWLEY WAS RECALLED TO HARTFORD (AHL) BY THE NEW YORK RANGERS (NHL) MARINERS RELEASED F EDDIE MATSUSHIMA MARINERS SIGNED D DALLAS ROSSITER D RYAN CULKIN WAS RECALLED TO THE LAVAL ROCKET (AHL) This week’s schedule (all times Eastern) Tues, Feb. 18 @ Newfoundland Growlers – 5:30 PM (AWAY) Weds, Feb. 19 @ Newfoundland Growlers – 5:30 PM (AWAY) Sat, Feb. 22 @ Adirondack Thunder – 7:00 PM (AWAY) Sun, Feb. 23 vs. Newfoundland Growlers – 3:00 PM (HOME) - TICKETS  Two more games await the Mariners in Newfoundland on Tuesday and Wednesday at Mile One Centre – both beginning at 5:30 PM ET. The road trip will conclude with a 7 PM faceoff on Saturday night at the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls, NY, where the Mariners have won each of their last six trips. All games air on the Mariners Broadcast Network, with pregame coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to puck drop. The radio broadcast streams free on MarinersOfMaine.com/listen or the Mixlr App. A video stream is available on a subscription or pay-per-view bases through ECHL.tv in HD, with the “AWAY” audio option carrying the Mariners broadcast. Sunday’s “Miracle Night,” at the Cross Insurance Arena will be the last home game of February as well as the final game of the regular season series between Maine and Newfoundland. The Mariners will wear specialty jerseys inspired by the 1980 U.S. Olympic goal medal team, which are currently up for auction through the Handbid app, and will be until the start of the 3rd period on Sunday. The Disney movie, “Miracle” will be screened on the video board following the game, with a concession stand remaining open to fans. Fans can avoid Ticketmaster Fees by purchasing tickets to select themed games (including Miracle Night) through the Mariners' new “Theme Night Tickets” page. For all Saturday and Sunday home games, Family Four Packs are available when purchased in advance. Family four packs include four tickets, four food, and drink vouchers, and four Mariners can koozies, starting at $80. Looking ahead: On Sunday, March 1st at 3 PM, the South Carolina Stingrays come to down as the Mariners name the Captain Joel Barnes Community Service Award winner, plus a postgame skate with the team. On March 6th, it’s Throwback Night against the Reading Royals at 7:15 PM, as the Mariners wear original Mariners jerseys with Mariners AHL alumni on hand. Sunday, March 8th is “I Love the 90s” against Worcester at 3 PM with a postgame full-team autograph session after the game. The full promotional schedule can be found here. Community Collection: The Mariners and the Cross Insurance Arena are collecting books for the remainder of the regular season for Ronald McDonald Charities of Maine. Fans who donate three or more books will receive a ticket to a Mariners weekday game. Both children’s and adult’s book donations are welcomed. Items MUST be donated at the Promotions Port to the right of the main security gates. While donations will be accepted at the Mariners office and other Cross Insurance Arena events, fans are not eligible to receive tickets unless the items are donated at a Mariners game. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS USE SPECIAL TEAMS TO SNAP GROWLERS HOME WIN STREAK

Mariners hand Newfoundland its first home loss since Oct. 19th BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  ST. JOHN’S, NL – February 15, 2020 – The Mariners' special teams were perfect, going 2/2 on the power play and penalty kill on their way to a 3-1 win on Saturday night at the Mile One Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Morgan Adams-Moisan broke a 1-1 tie with a power play goal at 18:33 of the third period for the game-winner as Newfoundland lost on home ice for the first time since October 19th, their win streak snapped at 19 games. Neither team scored in the opening 20 minutes, but both teams were robbed by the goal post as Newfoundland’s Riley Woods and Maine’s Sean Day both hit iron. The Mariners won the shot battle 11-9 in a first period that was void of penalties. Early in the second, the Mariners went to the power play after a Matt Bradley crosscheck and Michael McNicholas cashed in a cross-ice pass from Lewis Zerter-Gossage to make it 1-0 Mariners at 1:29 of the middle frame. It remained 1-0 until late in the period when Woods was able to steal a puck from Day at the Mariners blue line and break in alone on Mariners' netminder Francois Brassard, slipping a backhand between his pads. The score was tied at one through two periods with the Mariners holding a 22-14 shot advantage. The teams traded chances late into the third when Newfoundland’s Aaron Luchuk shot the puck over the glass for a delay of game penalty at 17:20 of the third, giving the Mariners their second power play of the game. Conner Bleackley’s shot from the right circle was blocked in front of Zhukov, leaving Morgan Adams-Moisan with a tap in to make it 2-1 Maine. At 19:21, with Zhukov pulled, Greg Chase chipped a puck to himself through the Growlers' defense and skated in alone on an empty net to seal the game. McNicholas picked up assists on both goals for a three-point game. Brassard made 22 stops to earn his fifth win of the year while Zhukov turned aside 31 of 33. The Mariners won the shot battle, 34-23. The win marked the first for the Mariners in Newfoundland in franchise history, after previously going 0-5-0-0. After two days off, the Mariners and Growlers resume their series with games on Tuesday and Wednesday, beginning at 5:30 PM ET. After the road trips wrap up at Adirondack next Saturday, the Mariners will be back home on Sunday, February 23rd for “Miracle Night,” celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. The Mariners will be wearing Team USA inspired jerseys, which will go up for auction starting January 12th on the Handbid App. There will also be a postgame screening of the Disney movie on the video board. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. All Saturday and Sunday home games feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80, and must be purchased in advance. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS WEEKLY: STREAK STOPPERS?

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME - Feb. 10, 2020 – One game remains on the current homestand for the Maine Mariners before becoming road warriors for the next three weeks. After Tuesday’s season-series finale against the Brampton Beast, the Mariners will play seven of their next eight games on the road, stopping home just briefly on February 23rd to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. The road stretch begins in St. John’s Newfoundland on Friday, where the defending Kelly Cup Champion Growlers haven’t lost a game since October. The Mariners will look to keep the North Division leaders from breaking an ECHL record, all the while trying to inch closer to clinching a playoff spot. The week that was Tues, Feb. 4th – WOR: 1, MNE: 4 At the start of a busy home week, the Mariners continued to dominate Worcester on Cross Insurance Arena ice, building a 3-0 lead on goals by Michael McNicholas, Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin, and Ryan Culkin. Dillan Fox added an empty netter while Greg Chase and Alex Kile each registered three assists. The Mariners moved into a third-place tie with Brampton. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Fri, Feb. 7th – WOR: 1, MNE: 2 The Mariners again took a 2-0 lead on Worcester, getting goals from Fox (his fourth game in a row with a goal), and Morgan Adams-Moisan. The rest fell on Connor LaCouvee’s shoulders, as he made 45 saves on 46 Railers shots. The Mariners moved to 11-1-0-0 all-time against Worcester in Portland and took sole possession of third place in the North. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Sat, Feb 8th – BRM: 3, MNE: 2/OT The Mariners kept their point streak alive, but the win streak came to an end at the hands of a rested Brampton Beast team that hadn’t played in a week. Maine rallied back from a 2-0 deficit with a shorthanded goal late in the 2nd period by Alex Kile and then a 4-on-4 marker from debuting forward Conner Bleackley early in the 3rd. David Vallorani beat the Mariners in OT for the 2nd time in less than a month, when he scored his ECHL-leading eighth game-winner late in 3-on-3. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS   Sun, Feb 9th – BRM: 3, MNE: 2 Sunday’s game was a see-saw affair, with the Beast taking three one-goal leads, ultimately holding onto the third. Linsday Sparks had two for Brampton, while Jake Elmer and Morgan Adams-Moisan tied the game in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Elmer’s goal sends packages of underwear flying from the stands for the “Underwear Toss,” which collected donations for Preble Street Teen Services. David Pacan’s redirect with less than 12 minutes to play in the 3rd held up as the game-winning goal. Brampton jumped back over Maine for third place. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Transactions (oldest to most recent) F TY RONNING RECALLED TO HARTFORD (AHL) BY THE NEW YORK RANGERS F JAKE ELMER RECALLED TO HARTFORD (AHL) BY THE NEW YORK RANGERS F LEWIS ZERTER-GOSSAGE REASSIGNED TO MAINE FROM HARTFORD (AHL) D JEFF TAYLOR REASSIGNED TO MAINE FROM HARTFORD (AHL) This week’s schedule (all times Eastern) Tues, Feb. 11 vs. Brampton Beast – 7:00 PM (HOME) Fri, Feb. 14 @ Newfoundland Growlers – 5:30 PM (AWAY) Sat, Feb. 15 @ Newfoundland Growlers – 5:30 PM (AWAY)  The Mariners and Beast finish their season series on Tuesday night at the Cross Insurance Arena, separated by just one point for third place in the North Division playoff race. It will be the last home game until Sunday, February 23rd when the Mariners celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice with “Miracle Night,” at 3 PM against Newfoundland. The Mariners will wear specialty jerseys inspired by the 1980 U.S. Olympic goal medal team, which will be auctioned through the Handbid app, beginning February 12th. The Disney movie will be screened on the video board following the game. Fans can avoid Ticketmaster Fees by purchasing tickets to select themed games through the Mariners' new “Theme Night Tickets” page. For all Saturday and Sunday home games, Family Four Packs are available when purchased in advance. Family four packs include four tickets, four food, and drink vouchers, and four Mariners can koozies, starting at $80. The five-game road trip begins this coming weekend in Newfoundland, where the Mariners will attempt to end the Growlers’ 18 game home winning streak, which has tied an ECHL record. The Mariners play a total of four games in St. Johns (February 14th, 15th, 18th, and 19th), before finishing the trip at Adirondack on February 22nd. All games air on the Mariners Broadcast Network, with pregame coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to puck drop. The radio broadcast streams free on MarinersOfMaine.com/listen or the Mixlr App. A video stream is available on a subscription or pay-per-view bases through ECHL.tv in HD, with the “AWAY” option carrying the Mariners broadcast. Looking ahead: The first four games of March are on home ice. On Sunday, March 1st at 3 PM, the South Carolina Stingrays come to down as the Mariners name the Captain Joel Barnes Community Service Award winner, plus a postgame skate with the team. On March 6th, it’s Throwback Night against the Reading Royals at 7:15 PM, as the Mariners wear original Mariners jerseys with Mariners AHL alumni on hand. The full promotional schedule can be found here. Community Collection: The Mariners and the Cross Insurance Arena are collecting books for the remainder of the regular season for Ronald McDonald Charities of Maine. Fans who donate three or more books will receive a ticket to a Mariners weekday game. Both children’s and adult’s book donations are welcomed. Items MUST be donated at the Promotions Port to the right of the main security gates. While donations will be accepted at the Mariners office and other Cross Insurance Arena events, fans are not eligible to receive tickets unless the items are donated at a Mariners game. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS POINT STREAK ENDS WITH LOSS TO BRAMPTON

Elmer’s two-point effort, underwear toss goal not enough BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – February 9, 2020 – The Brampton Beast built three one-goal leads, the third of which stood up for the game-winner in a tight 3-2 victory over the Maine Mariners on Sunday afternoon at the Cross Insurance Arena. Jake Elmer had a goal and an assist for Maine, including the “underwear toss” goal in the 2nd period, as the Mariners collected donations for Preble Street Teen Services. After a scoreless first period, Brampton made a push to start the 2nd and took a 1-0 lead when Lindsay Sparks deflected home a shot from Matt Petgrave just 44 seconds into the frame. The Mariners gradually worked their way back with scoring chances as the period went along and converted on the power play at 12:18 to even the score. Off an offensive zone, faceoff won by Ryan Ferrill, Jake Elmer beat Beast goalie Alex Dubeau with a short-side shot to tie the game and summon the “underwear toss,” a charitable promotion by the Mariners, similar to the “Teddy Bear Toss,” but with new packages of underwear. The game entered the third tied at one. Sparks struck again 2:22 into the third, his third goal of the weekend, crashing the far post and potting a rebound past Connor LaCouvee’s pad. The Mariners didn’t waste much time tying the game again when Eddie Matsushima slipped a pass to Morgan Adams-Moisan from below the goal line at 6:37 to make it 2-2. The see-saw period swung back in Brampton’s favor at 8:33 when David Pacan redirected T.J. Melancon’s shot past a fooled LaCouvee. The Mariners pulled LaCouvee in the game’s closing moments but couldn’t find the equalizer. Dubeau stopped 20 of 22 to earn the win, while LaCouvee made 26 saves for his first loss in six starts. With their win, Brampton ended Maine’s six-game point streak (overall and at home) and reclaimed third place in the North Division by one point over the Mariners. Maine and Brampton will finish their season series on Tuesday night at 7 PM before the Mariners embark on a five-game road trip. The Mariners will be back home after the trip on Sunday, February 23rd for “Miracle Night,” celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. The Mariners will be wearing Team USA inspired jerseys, which will go up for auction starting January 12th on the Handbid App. There will also be a postgame screening of the Disney movie on the video board. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. All Saturday and Sunday home games feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80, and must be purchased in advance Read the full article

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KEELEY: (FRI) LACOUVEE STOPS 45 AS MARINERS KEEP ROLLING

Mariners win their fifth straight on the back of their netminder BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – February 7, 2020 – On January 17th, Mariners' netminder Connor LaCouvee allowed seven goals in a 7-6 OT loss in Brampton. In his five starts since then, he’s allowed a total of four, winning each start, and cracking the ECHL’s top ten in goals-against average. On Friday night, LaCouvee stopped 45 of 46 Worcester Railers shots, leading the Mariners to a 2-1 win, their fifth in a row. With the win, the Mariners also claimed sole possession of third place in the North Division. “It was definitely a mental grind,” said Mariners Head Coach Riley Armstrong, in regards to the tight-checking game. “It was a tough game for us to play tonight, they played hard and Worcester played hard as well.” The Mariners started slow, outshot 11-3 early in the game, but Connor LaCouvee and the Mariners penalty kill kept the game scoreless, including dispatching a 5-on-3 against. With just over five minutes to go, Ryan Culkin spotted Dillan Fox behind the Railers defense and sprung him for a breakaway, on which Fox beat the blocker side of Evan Buitenhuis to give Maine a 1-0 lead. For Fox, it gave him a team-leading 20 goals on the season and a four-game streak. The second period took a similar pattern as the first, and at the 13:28 mark, Morgan Adams-Moisan made it a 2-0 game, when his wrister from the left-wing popped Buitenhuis’ water bottle off the top of the net. Linemates Brian Hart and Ryan Ferrill helped set up the goal. Worcester took back-to-back penalties at 16:56 and 17:19 of the period, giving the Mariners a 5-on-3, which they couldn’t convert. The score remained 2-0 at the end of 40 minutes. Worcester defenseman Justin Murray scored his first professional goal at 5:36 of the third to get the Railers on the board, as his shot from the top of the left circle beat a screened LaCouvee. From there, the Railers pushed hard, totaling 19 third period shots in an effort to even the score. With 3:16 remaining, Ryan Ferrill took a double-minor penalty for high-sticking, and Ryan Culkin followed at 19:28 with a trip, giving the Railers a 6-on-3 advantage when they pulled Buitenhuis. LaCouvee and the Mariners were able to hold the one-goal lead to earn their fifth win in a row. LaCouvee’s 45 saves is a new season-high for a Mariners' netminder, topping Tom McCollum’s 44 from October 19th in Reading. It was his 16th win of the season and fifth victorious start in a row. Evan Buitenhuis suffered his league-leading 17th loss, making 25 stops. “We’re playing really well right now,” LaCouvee said. “Sometimes when you’re playing a team that you’re a couple of points higher than in the standings, you might have a tendency to let off but I think it’s huge to win this game and solidify our position and keep working towards climbing the ladder.” The Mariners continue the “3kend,” sponsored by Three Dollar Deweys tomorrow, welcoming in the Brampton Beast at 6 PM, looking to widen their third-place lead. It’s Pride Night with EqualityMaine, including a sunglasses giveaway for the first 2,000 fans in attendance. On Sunday the Mariners host Brampton once again for the “Underwear Toss,” with fans encouraged to throw new packages of underwear onto the ice after the first Mariners goal to benefit Preble Street Teen Services. All Saturday and Sunday home games feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS WEEKLY: MOVIN’ ON UP

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  Feb. 3, 2020 – Michael McNicholas capped off a magical Make-A-Wish night on Saturday with the overtime winner, giving the Mariners a three-game sweep of the Adirondack Thunder, and putting them three points clear of the fourth and final playoff spot in the North Division. It was the fifth win in six games for a Mariners team which also now has points in 8 of 10 overall. They now have third place in their sights, just two points behind the Brampton Beast, who don’t play again until Saturday in Portland. The Mariners play twice against Worcester between now and then, as their early February homestand continues this week. All in all, five more games will be played at the Cross Insurance Arena in the next eight days. The week that was Weds, Jan. 29th – MNE: 3, ADK: 0 The Mariners started the week two points behind Adirondack for fourth place and immediately made a statement in their first of three games against the Thunder, posting a 3-0 shutout on the road. For Connor LaCouvee it was his second consecutive shutout, making 30 stops while Ted Hart, Morgan Adams-Moisan, and Sean Day all found the net. The win made it five in a row for Maine at the Cool Insuring Arena. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Fri, Jan. 31st – MNE: 5, ADK:2 Sean Day stayed hot by scoring two goals in a game that was filled with penalties – 84 minutes combined between the two teams. The Mariners opened up the game in the second period with goals by Alex Kile, Dillan Fox (shorthanded), and Day to build a 4-1 lead. The Mariners pulled back ahead of the Thunder for fourth place by two points and clinched the season series. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Sat, Feb 1st – ADK: 2, MNE: 3/OT The Mariners wore special “Make-A-Wish” themed jerseys, designed by 11-year-old Make-A-Wish Maine “Wish Kid,” Ellie LaBree. Dillan Fox and Adirondack’s Colby Sissons traded power play goals to bring the game to a 1-1 tie at the end of two periods before Mariners defenseman Josh Couturier’s first goal (and point) of the season gave Maine a 2-1 lead in the third. Adirondack forced overtime, but Michael McNicholas found the game-winner just 1:21 into bonus hockey to give the Mariners the sweep. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Transactions (oldest to most recent) NO TRANSACTIONS LAST WEEK This week’s schedule (all times Eastern) Tues, Feb. 4 vs. Worcester Railers – 7:00 PM (HOME) Fri, Feb. 7 vs. Worcester Railers – 7:15 PM (HOME) – Works for ME Night sponsored by News Center Maine / Three Dollar Deweys #Giving3kend Sat, Feb. 8 vs. Brampton Beast – 6:00 PM (HOME) – Pride Night sponsored by EqualityMaine/ Three Dollar Deweys #Giving3kend Sun, Feb. 9 vs. Brampton Beast – 3:00 PM (HOME) – Underwear Toss / Three Dollar Deweys #Giving3kend Tues, Feb. 11 vs. Brampton Beast – 7:00 PM (HOME)  The second “3kend” of the season is sponsored once again by Three Dollar Deweys, and it’s the “Giving 3kend,” with a focus on community. Friday night’s “Works for ME Night,” is sponsored by News Center Maine. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday: $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi products, $3 Bud Light drafts through the start of the second period. On Saturday, the first 2,000 fans will get a pair of sunglasses presented by EqualityMaine as part of “Pride Night.” On Sunday, fans are encouraged to bring new packages of underwear to toss onto the ice after the first Mariners goal – proceeds to benefit Preble Street Teen Services. Through the months of February and March, the Mariners will be collecting new and lightly used books for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine. Fans can avoid Ticketmaster Fees by purchasing tickets to select themed games through the Mariners' new “Theme Night Tickets” page. For all Saturday and Sunday home games, Family Four Packs are available when purchased in advance. Family four packs include four tickets, four food, and drink vouchers, and four Mariners can koozies, starting at $80. Mariners Coach’s Show The Mariners Coach’s Show returns this Thursday, February 6th, hosted by Mariners broadcaster Michael Keeley, featuring guests Riley Armstrong (Head Coach/Assistant General Manager) and forward Morgan Adams-Moisan. The show runs from 6-7 PM, broadcasting live at Three Dollar Deweys at 241 Commercial Street in Portland and airs online at MarinersOfMaine.com/listen. Four tickets to an upcoming Mariners game will also be given away at Three Dollar Deweys at the end of the show. Looking ahead: The Mariners conclude their homestand with one more game against Brampton on Tuesday, February 11th at 7 PM. They will then embark on a five-game road trip to Newfoundland and Adirondack before returning to Portland for “Miracle Night,” on Sunday, February 23rd at 3 PM vs. Newfoundland, honoring the 40th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice.” The team will wear Team USA inspired jerseys and the Disney movie will be screened on the video board following the game. The full promotional schedule can be found here. Community Collection: The Mariners and the Cross Insurance Arena are collecting books for the remainder of the regular season for Ronald McDonald Charities of Maine. Fans who donate three or more books will receive a ticket to a Mariners weekday game. Both children’s and adult’s book donations are welcomed. Items MUST be donated at the Promotions Port to the right of the main security gates. While donations will be accepted at the Mariners office and other Cross Insurance Arena events, fans are not eligible to receive tickets unless the items are donated at a Mariners game. Read the full article

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KEELEY: (SAT) MCNICHOLAS GRANTS WISH WITH OVERTIME WINNER

Mariners take down Thunder in OT to complete the three-game sweep BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – February 1, 2020 – Michael McNicholas delivered the overtime winner at 1:21 of the extra session to give the Mariners a 3-2 win over the Adirondack Thunder on Saturday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. It was Maine’s third win of the week against the Thunder and their 11th in 15 meetings this season with Adirondack. Maine is now just two points out of third place in the North Division playoff race. “We’re coming together as a team,” said Mariners defenseman Josh Couturier, who scored his first goal of the season in the win. “We’re playing the right way, we’re getting pucks in, everyone’s blocking shots, you’re able to look to the guy next to you and you know he’s going to do the right thing.” Couturier broke a 1-1 tie at 2:09 of the third after great work by the line of Eddie Matsushima, Morgan Adams-Moisan, and Brian Hart. It was Couturier’s first point of what has been an injury-riddled season. Just 1:30 after Couturier’s go-ahead goal, Adirondack’s Mike Szmatula evened up the score, setting the stage for the eventual overtime. The scoring began with a Dillan Fox power play goal at 5:05 of the first, backhanding the rebound of a blocked shot around the pad of Thunder netminder Evan Cormier. The Mariners carried the 1-0 lead into the 2nd, but defenseman Colby Sissons scored on the power play at 5:39 of period two for Adirondack with a point shot that seemed to turn the game in Adirondack’s favor. The Mariners were outshot 11-5 in the middle frame but led by Francois Brassard, kept the game tied into the third. “I thought we played hard,” OT hero Michael McNicholas said. “I thought our push off the bat in the first was really hard. I felt they came back at us just as hard in the second. It was kind of back and forth all game so it’s really nice to get that win. Those two points are really big for us.” Coming out of their defensive zone early in overtime, Greg Chase darted down the left-wing, dropping a pass to Sean Day, who found McNicholas at the far circle. McNicholas one-timed the feed off the back crossbar inside the net to end the game. It was McNicholas’ sixth goal of the season. “Those are big confidence builders,” said Mariners head coach Riley Armstrong about the Couturier and McNicholas goals. “Getting off that and getting him back playing again and also for he hasn’t scored too many this year so he came up big for us.” Brassard made 25 saves to earn his fourth win – all against Adirondack. Cormier made 19 stops in the loss. The Mariners improved to 7-1-1 in OT and SO games this season and 20-3-2 all-time. They have reached 50 points with their third win in a row – two behind third-place Brampton with a game in hand. They are now three points clear of the Thunder for a playoff spot. The Mariners sported jerseys designed by Make-A-Wish Maine “Wish Kid,” Ellie Labree, an 11-year old cancer patient. The jerseys were auctioned off to help raise money for Make-A-Wish Maine. The Mariners continue their homestand Tuesday against the Worcester Railers at 7 PM. They’re also home all three dates next weekend - February 7th, 8th, and 9th for the “Giving 3Kend,” sponsored by Three Dollar Deweys. Friday night at 7:15 PM vs. Worcester is “Works For ME Night,” presented by News Center Maine and a 1-2-3 Friday: $1 Aquafina water, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Light Drafts through the start of the 2nd period. Saturday at 6 PM against Brampton is Pride Night with EqualityMaine, including a sunglasses giveaway for the first 2,000 fans in attendance. On Sunday at 3 PM against Brampton once again, it’s the “Underwear Toss,” with fans encouraged to throw new packages of underwear onto the ice after the first Mariners goal to benefit Preble Street Teen Services. All Saturday and Sunday home games feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS BLANK THUNDER TO RECLAIM FOURTH PLACE

LaCouvee earns second consecutive shutout, making 30 saves BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners GLENS FALLS, NY – January 29, 2020 – Connor LaCouvee made 30 saves, earning his second consecutive shutout on Wednesday night at the Cool Insuring Arena, as the Mariners used a trio of goals to defeat the Adirondack Thunder in the first of a three-game series this week. The Mariners moved back into fourth place in the North Division with the win, and also ended a four-game Thunder win streak. Less than three minutes into the game, Mariners Captain Zach Tolkinen dropped the gloves with Adirondack’s James Phelan and got the better of the Thunder forward, injecting some energy into the Mariners offense. On the power play at 8:35, Morgan Adams-Moisan threw the puck off the back of the Adirondack net, causing it to spin weirdly right to the doorstep of the far post, where Ted Hart tapped it in past an unsuspecting Eamon McAdam. Michael McNicholas picked up a secondary helper on the goal. At 15:52, Adams-Moisan gathered a loose puck from outside the Adirondack blue line, skated in alone and beat McAdam’s glove to make it a 2-0 game, Brian Hart assisting. The Mariners were outshot 9-5 in the first. After a scoreless second period, Sean Day stretched the lead to 3-0 less than a minute into the third. Greg Chase fed Day near the right point, who made a stickhandle to free himself down to the circle, where he beat McAdam stick side thanks in part to a screen set up by Alex Kile. McNicholas picked up his second assist of the game on the insurance goal. From there, LaCouvee made several timely saves, with help from his defense, including holding off three-plus minutes of 6-on-4 when Adirondack pulled McAdam. The Maine penalty kill also went 3/3. LaCouvee’s 30 save shutout was his third of the season, and second in a row (both on the road) after he blanked Brampton on January 19th. McAdam turned aside 16 shots in the loss. The Mariners will be in Glens Falls again on Friday night for another 7 PM faceoff. Both teams will then head to Portland to play at the Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday at 6 PM. It’s Make-A-Wish Maine night presented by Agren. The Mariners will wear jerseys designed by 11-year-old ‘Wish Kid’ Ellie Labree, who won a jersey design contest this past fall. The full set of jerseys are currently up for auction on the Handbid App, with proceeds to benefit Make-A-Wish Maine. Auctions will close at the start of the third period of Saturday’s game. All Saturday and Sunday home games feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. Read the full article

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KEELEY: (1/25) LATE GOAL STINGS MARINERS IN WORCESTER

Ross Olsson breaks 1-1 tie with 1:38 left as Railers earn a weekend split BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  WORCESTER, MA – January 25, 2020 – Worcester forward Ross Olsson scored at 18:22 of the third period to put the Railers ahead 2-1, which was the final score in a heartbreaking Mariners defeat on Saturday night at the DCU Center in Worcester. The game was scoreless through the first 40 minutes of play, with goaltenders Evan Buitenhuis and Adam Huska each posting standout performances.  The Railers outshot Maine 12-9 in the first, while the Mariners won the shot battle 11-9 in the second. Huska turned aside Cody Payne on a shorthanded breakaway in the first, while Buitenhuis stopped two Greg Chase breaks. Neither team could convert on multiple power play chances and two instances of four on four. Finally, at 6:14 of the third, Barry Almeida redirected Kyle McKenzie’s shot from the left point to give Worcester a 1-0 lead. At 14:07, Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin tied it up with a wrister from the left-wing circle, following Dillan Fox’s drive to the net. Jake Elmer also assisted. After the Mariners successfully killed a Morgan Adams-Moisan crosschecking penalty, Olsson scored the game-winner, following Shane Walsh’s shot that trickled off of Huska and behind him. Olsson easily tapped it in over the goal line. The Mariners outshot Worcester, 30-27 in the losing effort. Huska made 25 saves while Buitenhuis stopped 29. The Mariners travel to Adirondack Wednesday and Friday, to begin a three-game series with the Thunder. Their next home game is next Saturday, February 1st against Adirondack at 6 PM. It’s Make-A-Wish Maine night presented by Agren. The Mariners will wear jerseys designed by 11-year-old ‘Wish Kid’ Ellie Labree, which will be auctioned via Handbid with proceeds to benefit Make-A-Wish Maine. All Saturday and Sunday home games feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. Read the full article

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KEELEY: (FRI) MARINERS BLAST RAILERS WITH FRANCHISE RECORD EIGHT GOALS

Ronning’s hat trick leads a group of six players with multiple points BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – January 24, 2020 – The Mariners put up a season and franchise-high eight goals to rout the Worcester Railers, 8-1 on Friday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. Ty Ronning’s hat trick led a squad of six Mariners that had multi-point games, while Adam Huska turned aside 43 Railers shots to win his ECHL debut.  The Mariners took the early 1-0 lead after Nic Pierog took a delay of game penalty just 1:19 into the game. On the power play, Sean Day and Greg Chase moved the puck quickly to find Ty Ronning in the slot, and Ronning beat Evan Buitenhuis with the help of Morgan Adams-Moisan waving his stick past the eyes of the Worcester netminder. Worcester tied it up with their own power play goal at 6:20 at the very end of a Chase high-sticking penalty. Arnaud Durandeau gained the Mariners line and dropped a puck to Bo Brauer, who beat Mariners goaltender Adam Huska high to the glove slide. At 11:23, the Mariners regained the lead when Adams-Moisan swept home a loose puck generated by Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin’s drive. Despite being outshot 17-6, Maine carried the 2-1 lead into the first intermission. The Mariners opened the game up with three goals in less than a minute between the six and seven-minute marks of the middle frame. First up, Lewis Zerter-Gossage potted a puck that came right back to him off the skate of Railers defenseman Justin Murray from an attempted cross-ice pass. Thirty-six seconds after, Ronning got his second of the game, following a wide shot to the backboards and banking the rebound off Buitenhuis for an unassisted goal. Twenty-two seconds later, Greg Chase beat Buitenhuis short side as he came down the right-wing side and scored Maine’s third goal in a total span of 58 seconds. Buitenhuis was pulled for Ian Milosz following Chase’s goal. In the final minute of the period, Ronning completed the hat trick, when he picked up a rebound off the pad of Milosz that was put on goal by Michael McNicholas. “I wore some new skates today so my feet were hurting, but it looks like I’ll have to keep them for tomorrow’s game,” said Ronning. “It wasn’t our best game even though we scored a lot of goals. We had some bounces on our side but overall I think we picked it up in the third period and won some more of our battles and overall I think it was a team effort.” “For Ty, that’s what he is,” said Mariners Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Riley Armstrong. “He loves to score goals and I think if he keeps skating and playing the right way those chances will keep coming to him.” Dillan Fox and Ryan Culkin scored goals in the third to give the Mariners a new season and franchise high in goals in a game. Culkin’s came on the power play and was his third point of the game. Thirteen of the sixteen Maine skaters registered points, with six putting up multi-point efforts. The Mariners were doubled up in the shot column, 44-22, but Huska was fantastic, making 43 saves in his ECHL debut. “It feels good because that was my job to come here and do my best,” said Huska. “The team battled hard and in the second period, that’s where the game broke open.” The Mariners will play their next three games on the road – tomorrow in Worcester and next Wednesday and Friday at Adirondack. Their next home game is next Saturday, February 1st against Adirondack at 6 PM. It’s Make-A-Wish Maine night presented by Agren. The Mariners will wear jerseys designed by 11-year-old ‘Wish Kid’ Ellie Labree, which will be auctioned via Handbid with proceeds to benefit Make-A-Wish Maine. All Saturday and Sunday home games feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS WEEKLY: ALL-STAR BREAK 

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners Jan. 21, 2020 – The busiest 10 day stretch in the young history of the Maine Mariners is now behind them, and a much needed All-Star break is now underway, giving the players a chance to get away from the game for a few days before resuming the grind this coming weekend. Last week’s grueling “8 in 10” got off to an inauspicious start when the Mariners dropped the first three games – all on home ice, but they managed points in four of the final five, for a respectable run of 3-4-1-0 over the eight. Now 32 games remain on the docket, the Mariners holding a playoff spot if the season were to end today. As January rapidly winds to an end, seven of the next 10 are on home ice, each game bigger than the last. The week that was Tuesday, Jan. 14th – WOR: 2, MNE: 3 The Mariners were looking to avoid their sixth loss in a row, which would have been a new franchise long mark. Despite 17 first period shots and a spirited fight between Morgan Adams-Moisan and Yanick Turcotte, the Mariners found themselves trailing 1-0 until late into the 2nd when Ted Hart’s power play goal tied the game. Worcester immediately regained their lead, however, and carried a 2-1 advantage into the third. The Mariners power play saved the day when Adams-Moisan and Wallin scored back-to-back to steal a 3-2 win and end the losing skid. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Wednesday, Jan. 15th – MNE: 4, ADK: 1 In a quick turnaround, the Mariners marched into Glens Falls and got their fourth win in a row at the Cool Insuring Arena. For the second straight night, it was the power play that led the lay – Alex Kile and Ty Ronning scoring with the man advantage in the third after the game was tied at one. Kile and Ronning each had two goals on the night while Francois Brassard earned the win between the pipes. The Mariners leapfrogged Adirondack for fourth place in the North Division. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Friday, Jan. 17th – MNE: 6, BRM: 7/OT In one of the crazier games of the season, the Mariners and Beast combined for 13 goals, as leads changed hands multiple times, and ultimately Brampton claimed a 7-6 overtime win. Eddie Matsushima scored twice for the Mariners, who had leads of 2-0, 3-1, and 6-4, as late as over halfway through the third period. Brampton’s Daniel Leavens led the Beast back with a hat trick, and David Vallorani netted the overtime winner. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Saturday, Jan. 18th – MNE: 1, BRM: 4 Both teams played a much more concerted defensive effort, but Brampton was able to take a 4-0 lead against Francois Brassard and the Mariners, scoring two in each of the first two periods. It wasn’t until Michael McNicholas’ shorthanded goal late in the third (his first goal in 16 games) that the shutout bid of Alex Dubeau was spoiled. Mariners leading scorer Terrence Wallin injured his foot blocking a shot less than a minute into the game. FULL GAME RECAP Sunday, Jan. 19th – MNE: 4, BRM: 0 The Mariners flipped the script on the Beast, grabbing a 4-0 lead on goals by Brandon Crawley, Sean Day, Jake Elmer, and Ted Hart. Connor LaCouvee rebounded nicely from a shaky performance on Friday, with a 27 save shutout, his second in less than a month. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Transactions (oldest to most recent) The Mariners acquired F Conner Bleackley from the Idaho Steelheads in a three-team trade D Scott Savage was reassigned to the Mariners from Milwaukee (AHL) The Mariners traded D John Furgele to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for future considerations D Jeff Taylor was recalled to the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) This week’s schedule (all times Eastern) Fri, Jan 24 vs. Worcester Railers – 7:15 PM (HOME) – Star Wars Night, T-Shirt giveaway to the first 2,000 fans Sat, Jan 25 @ Worcester Railers – 7:00 PM (AWAY)  The first 2,000 fans in attendance on Friday will get a Mariners T-shirt, courtesy of Unifirst. It’s Star Wars Night, which will feature movie characters roaming the arena to interact with fans, plus Star Wars-themed in-game elements. Fans can bid on experiences through Thursday, January 23rd, including benchwarmers, ceremonial puck drop, and a postgame photo with Beacon on the Handbid App – 100% of proceeds benefitting Maine Children’s Cancer program. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday: $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi Products, $3 Bud Light Drafts through the start of the 2nd period. Fans can avoid Ticketmaster Fees by purchasing tickets through the Mariners' new “Theme Night Tickets” page. Mariners Coach’s Show The Mariners Coach’s Show is off for the remainder of January and will return on Thursday, February 6th. The show airs from 6-7 PM and also broadcasts live at Three Dollar Dewey’s at 241 Commercial Street and airs at MarinersOfMaine.com/listen. Due to team travel, the February 6th show will be the last show until the month of March. Looking ahead: The Mariners play the first six games of February on home ice. On February 1st, when the Mariners host Adirondack, they’ll be wearing special jerseys, designed by Make-A-Wish Maine wish kid, Ellie Labree, and sponsored by Agren Appliance. The jerseys will be then auctioned off, proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish Maine. The Giving #3kend is February 7th through 9th presented by Three Dollar Deweys, which includes Works for ME night, Pride Night, and Underwear Toss. The full promotional schedule can be found here. Community Collection: The Mariners and the Cross Insurance Arena are collecting new packages of underwear and socks to benefit the Preble Street Teen Center on Friday, which will switch over to a book collection for the remainder of the regular season for the Ronald McDonald house. Fans who donate five items (or three books in February/March) will receive a ticket to a Mariners weekday game. Items MUST be donated at the Promotions Port to the right of the main security gates. While the Mariners will accept donations at their office, fans are not eligible to receive tickets unless the items are donated at a game. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS WEEKLY: ALL-STAR BREAK 

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners Jan. 21, 2020 – The busiest 10 day stretch in the young history of the Maine Mariners is now behind them, and a much needed All-Star break is now underway, giving the players a chance to get away from the game for a few days before resuming the grind this coming weekend. Last week’s grueling “8 in 10” got off to an inauspicious start when the Mariners dropped the first three games – all on home ice, but they managed points in four of the final five, for a respectable run of 3-4-1-0 over the eight. Now 32 games remain on the docket, the Mariners holding a playoff spot if the season were to end today. As January rapidly winds to an end, seven of the next 10 are on home ice, each game bigger than the last. The week that was Tuesday, Jan. 14th – WOR: 2, MNE: 3 The Mariners were looking to avoid their sixth loss in a row, which would have been a new franchise long mark. Despite 17 first period shots and a spirited fight between Morgan Adams-Moisan and Yanick Turcotte, the Mariners found themselves trailing 1-0 until late into the 2nd when Ted Hart’s power play goal tied the game. Worcester immediately regained their lead, however, and carried a 2-1 advantage into the third. The Mariners power play saved the day when Adams-Moisan and Wallin scored back-to-back to steal a 3-2 win and end the losing skid. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Wednesday, Jan. 15th – MNE: 4, ADK: 1 In a quick turnaround, the Mariners marched into Glens Falls and got their fourth win in a row at the Cool Insuring Arena. For the second straight night, it was the power play that led the lay – Alex Kile and Ty Ronning scoring with the man advantage in the third after the game was tied at one. Kile and Ronning each had two goals on the night while Francois Brassard earned the win between the pipes. The Mariners leapfrogged Adirondack for fourth place in the North Division. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Friday, Jan. 17th – MNE: 6, BRM: 7/OT In one of the crazier games of the season, the Mariners and Beast combined for 13 goals, as leads changed hands multiple times, and ultimately Brampton claimed a 7-6 overtime win. Eddie Matsushima scored twice for the Mariners, who had leads of 2-0, 3-1, and 6-4, as late as over halfway through the third period. Brampton’s Daniel Leavens led the Beast back with a hat trick, and David Vallorani netted the overtime winner. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Saturday, Jan. 18th – MNE: 1, BRM: 4 Both teams played a much more concerted defensive effort, but Brampton was able to take a 4-0 lead against Francois Brassard and the Mariners, scoring two in each of the first two periods. It wasn’t until Michael McNicholas’ shorthanded goal late in the third (his first goal in 16 games) that the shutout bid of Alex Dubeau was spoiled. Mariners leading scorer Terrence Wallin injured his foot blocking a shot less than a minute into the game. FULL GAME RECAP Sunday, Jan. 19th – MNE: 4, BRM: 0 The Mariners flipped the script on the Beast, grabbing a 4-0 lead on goals by Brandon Crawley, Sean Day, Jake Elmer, and Ted Hart. Connor LaCouvee rebounded nicely from a shaky performance on Friday, with a 27 save shutout, his second in less than a month. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Transactions (oldest to most recent) The Mariners acquired F Conner Bleackley from the Idaho Steelheads in a three-team trade D Scott Savage was reassigned to the Mariners from Milwaukee (AHL) The Mariners traded D John Furgele to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for future considerations D Jeff Taylor was recalled to the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) This week’s schedule (all times Eastern) Fri, Jan 24 vs. Worcester Railers – 7:15 PM (HOME) – Star Wars Night, T-Shirt giveaway to the first 2,000 fans Sat, Jan 25 @ Worcester Railers – 7:00 PM (AWAY)  The first 2,000 fans in attendance on Friday will get a Mariners T-shirt, courtesy of Unifirst. It’s Star Wars Night, which will feature movie characters roaming the arena to interact with fans, plus Star Wars-themed in-game elements. Fans can bid on experiences through Thursday, January 23rd, including benchwarmers, ceremonial puck drop, and a postgame photo with Beacon on the Handbid App – 100% of proceeds benefitting Maine Children’s Cancer program. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday: $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi Products, $3 Bud Light Drafts through the start of the 2nd period. Fans can avoid Ticketmaster Fees by purchasing tickets through the Mariners' new “Theme Night Tickets” page. Mariners Coach’s Show The Mariners Coach’s Show is off for the remainder of January and will return on Thursday, February 6th. The show airs from 6-7 PM and also broadcasts live at Three Dollar Dewey’s at 241 Commercial Street and airs at MarinersOfMaine.com/listen. Due to team travel, the February 6th show will be the last show until the month of March. Looking ahead: The Mariners play the first six games of February on home ice. On February 1st, when the Mariners host Adirondack, they’ll be wearing special jerseys, designed by Make-A-Wish Maine wish kid, Ellie Labree, and sponsored by Agren Appliance. The jerseys will be then auctioned off, proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish Maine. The Giving #3kend is February 7th through 9th presented by Three Dollar Deweys, which includes Works for ME night, Pride Night, and Underwear Toss. The full promotional schedule can be found here. Community Collection: The Mariners and the Cross Insurance Arena are collecting new packages of underwear and socks to benefit the Preble Street Teen Center on Friday, which will switch over to a book collection for the remainder of the regular season for the Ronald McDonald house. Fans who donate five items (or three books in February/March) will receive a ticket to a Mariners weekday game. Items MUST be donated at the Promotions Port to the right of the main security gates. While the Mariners will accept donations at their office, fans are not eligible to receive tickets unless the items are donated at a game. Read the full article

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KEELEY: (FRI) MARINERS DROP WILD OVERTIME AFFAIR IN BRAMPTON

Mariners settle for a point in a heartbreaking OT defeat BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners BRAMPTON, ON – January 17, 2020 – The Mariners surrendered three different two goals leads and ultimately suffered a 7-6 overtime loss at the hands of the Brampton Beast on Friday night at the CAA Centre in Ontario, Canada. David Vallorani scored the game-winner for Brampton at 3:21 of OT while Alex Kile had three assists for the Mariners in the loss and Eddie Matsushima scored two goals. The Mariners scored twice in a span of 17 seconds to grab a 2-0 lead 4:36 into the game. Ty Ronning’s shoot-in fooled Beast goaltender Alex Dubeau, who ventured below the goal line to try and play the puck that popped out to the left circle for a gift for Eddie Matsushima. Morgan Adams-Moisan also assisted on the goal. On the ensuing shift, John Furgele drove the net and took a feed from Alex Kile, backhanding his second goal of the season – and first in 2019-20 as a Mariners over Dubeau. Brampton’s first goal was a bit controversial at the 10:43 mark when Jackson Leef appeared to be offside but was ruled to have touched up and then beat LaCouvee’s stick side with a wrister to make it a 2-1 game. Maine regained the two-goal lead at 16:20 when Morgan Adams-Moisan finished a second chance after Dubeau shut him down on a breakaway. The Beast turned the puck over to Adams-Moisan at the bottom of the right circle and he ripped a shot over Dubeau’s glove for his fourth of the season. Brampton cut the lead back to one before the end of the period when Daniel Leavens beat LaCouvee’s glove with a wrist shot from the right circle. There were a combined 31 shots in the first period, 16 by Brampton. The second period provided a little relief for the goaltenders, but still saw a total of three goals. Francois Beauchemin tied the game just 53 seconds into the period, finishing a pair of Erik Bradford chances off of LaCouvee’s pad. Beauchemin added another on the power play at 11:34 to give Brampton its first lead. With under a minute left in the period, Alex Kile set up Terrence Wallin, driving the net to tie the game at four through two periods. Just like the first, the Mariners scored two quick goals to open the third. At 2:40, Kile found defenseman Jeff Taylor between the circles, for what became Taylor’s first goal as a Mariner. Thirty-six seconds later, Matsushima capitalized on another Brampton turnover and walked in alone to beat Dubeau and make it a 6-4 game. Leavens scored at 11:49 and 18:46 (with the goalie pulled) to complete his hat trick and force overtime. In the third, the Mariners scored two goals on three shots. Vallorani used Kile as a screen to beat LaCouvee for the game-winner at 3:21 of overtime. Brampton avoided their third loss in a row, while the Mariners now have a three-game point streak despite the defeat. They gain a point of cushion on Adirondack for fourth place in the North, as the Thunder lost at Reading. The Mariners have two more games this weekend in Brampton – tomorrow at 7:15 and Sunday at 2:00 PM. They’ll return home on Friday, January 24th for Star Wars night, against Worcester once again. It’s a “1-2-3 Friday,” featuring $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Light Drafts through the start of the 2nd period. Star Wars characters from local fan groups will be on hand, and the first 2,000 fans in attendance will get a Mariners t-shirt courtesy of Unifirst. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS USE POWER PLAY TO RALLY PAST RAILERS

Power play strikes three times to help Mariners end skid BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – January 14, 2020 – Back-to-back power play goal by Morgan Adams-Moisan and Terrence Wallin in the third period, led the Mariners to a 3-2 come from behind win over the Worcester Railers on Tuesday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. The Mariners snapped a five-game losing skid with the win, pulling back to within one point of fourth place in the North Division, and giving themselves a chance to jump back over Adirondack tomorrow night. The first highlight of the game came at the 7:55 mark of the opening period when Morgan Adams-Moisan and Yanick Turcotte engaged in a long and spirited fight that started at center ice and transitioned all the way down into the Railers zone before the officials finally intervened. Worcester took a 1-0 lead two minutes later on an Arnaud Durandeau deflection of a Justin Murray shot from the left wall. Each team fired 17 first period shots, but Durandeau’s goal was the only one. The Mariners continued to pepper Railers goaltender Evan Buitenhuis with quality shots through the second period and finally broke through to tie it up at 16:47 when Ted Hart followed up Michael McNicholas’ shot out of Buitenhuis’ glove with the rebound power play goal to make it 1-1. The Railers responded on the ensuing shift, as Drew Callin capitalized on a turnover in front of the Mariners net and beat Connor LaCouvee for an unassisted goal. At 18:55 of the period, Mariners forward Mikael Robidoux threw an explosive hit on Callin between the benches and was jumped by Kyle Thomas – who received a major penalty and game misconduct. Worcester led 2-1 at the end of two. At 11:44 of the third, Worcester’s Ben Thomson was assessed a hooking penalty, and the Mariners power play converted again to tie the game. Morgan Adams-Moisan got a position in front of Buitenhuis and redirected Zach Tolkinen’s offering from the point for his third goal of the season. Upset for what he felt was a missed penalty call before the call, Railers head coach David Cunniff was called for an abusive language bench minor, putting the Mariners right back on the power play. Alex Kile and Ryan Culkin then set up Terrence Wallin alone to the right of Buitenhuis, to give Maine its first lead – the goals coming 55 seconds apart. The Mariners killed off a late Adams-Moisan roughing penalty on their way to holding on for the 3-2 win. The 45 shots on goal tied a franchise high for the Mariners and represented their highest total in the game this season. LaCouvee made 36 saves to earn his 11th win. Buitenhuis was fantastic in the loss, turning aside 42 shots. The Mariners will travel to Glens Falls, NY to take on the Adirondack Thunder tomorrow night at 7 PM, with the chance to leapfrog the Thunder for fourth place in the North Division. They’ll then play a 3-in-3 for the second weekend in a row, with games in Brampton, Ontario on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They’ll return home on Friday, January 24th for Star Wars night, against Worcester once again. It’s a “1-2-3 Friday,” featuring $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Light Drafts through the start of the 2nd period. Star Wars characters from local fan groups will be on hand, and the first 2,000 fans in attendance will get a Mariners t-shirt courtesy of Unifirst. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS ALLOW SEASON LOW 20 SHOTS IN LOSS TO NEWFOUNDLAND

Parker Gahagen registers 34 save shutout for streaking Growlers BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – January 12, 2020 – Newfoundland scored two goals in the first four minutes of the second period and that was all the offense for the night for either team in a 2-0 Mariners loss to the Growlers on Sunday afternoon at the Cross Insurance Arena. The Mariners dropped their fifth game in a row while Newfoundland won its ninth straight. After a scoreless first period, Newfoundland converted on a power play just over a minute into the second period to take a 1-0 lead. Brady Ferguson beat Connor LaCouvee’s stick-side shoulder with a shot from the edge of the right faceoff circle at 1:04. Ferguson added another point at the 3:20 mark, setting up Marcus Power on a breakaway. Power slid the puck on his backhand under LaCouvee’s pad to double the Growler lead. The Mariners had a shot advantage of 24-17 through two periods despite the 2-0 deficit. Growlers netminder Parker Gahagen kept momentum on the Growlers side with big saves throughout the game. His best was on a Morgan Adams-Moisan breakaway in the second period, but he also made several stops on deflected point shots, 34 offerings in total. It turned out to be Gahagen’s first professional shutout, not counting one for SPHL’s Evansville Thunderbolts earlier this season. The Growlers have a franchise long nine-game winning streak as they extend their lead for the top spot in the North Division. The Mariners remain three points behind Adirondack for fourth place, with five games in hand. The Mariners have one home game left on the current homestand, Tuesday night against the Worcester Railers at 7 PM. They will then embark on a four-game road trip through January 24th. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. Read the full article