#RileyArmstrong

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KEELEY: MARINERS BEGIN CAMP ON 10/11

Mariners start 2021-22 journey with a new coach, affiliate. BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – October 4, 2021 – Maine Mariners training camp gets underway on October 11, as the third season of ECHL hockey in Portland begins a year later than scheduled. Emerging from the pandemic cancellation of the 2020-21 campaign, the Mariners enter year three with a new head coach at the helm and a new NHL affiliate. The 2021-22 season is presented by Hannaford To Go. Ben Guite leads the charge in his first season as Mariners head coach, following Riley Armstrong’s departure to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League in early August. Guite is already well-known locally as a former player and coach for the University of Maine men’s hockey program. He also played in the NHL, making his debut for the Mariners’ new affiliate, the Boston Bruins. The Mariners and Bruins made their new partnership official on June 30, following three years, with the Mariners serving as a New York Rangers affiliate. The move completed the Maine-Boston “trifecta” with the Portland Sea Dogs and Maine Celtics affiliated with the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics, respectively. GUITE SPEAKS “It’s exciting that hockey is right around the corner,” said Guite. “Our fans have been waiting for this for a long time. Our players have been relentless in their preparation and are ready to go. For some players, it’s been an opportunity they’ve been preparing for 18 months. You can sense their excitement to start playing hockey again after a long summer and the challenges of the last year and a half.” Players will begin off-ice testing on Monday, October 11, and on-ice testing on Tuesday, October 12. Full practices will start on Wednesday, October 13, as the Mariners prepare for a pair of preseason games against the Worcester Railers on Friday, October 15, and Saturday, October 16. The Mariners are hosting the game on October 15 at The Colisee in Lewiston – a 7:00 PM puck drop. Admission will be $2 cash at the door. Both preseason games will be broadcast via audio stream at MarinersofMaine.com/listen and the Mixlr App. As players are assigned to the Mariners from NHL and AHL camps, the roster will continue to take shape the following week. Full season ticket holders can attend a night practice on Tuesday, October 19, at the Cross Insurance Arena, where the team will be introduced. The Mariners will open the regular season against Worcester on Friday, October 22 at 7:15 PM in the home opener, presented by Skowhegan Savings. WHAT THE MARINERS WILL BE “Our team will be known for our work ethic, compete level, and ability to make plays at a high pace,” added Guite. “We have the foundation in place. Our camp will be competitive to make sure we are prepared and ready to go come October 22 vs. Worcester. We can’t wait to see the Cross Insurance Arena full of Mariners fans on opening night!” Individual game tickets for all 36 home games are on sale now, online at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena or calling the box office at 207-775-3458. Full season, half-season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans are also available. More information on ticket packages is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.com. MAINE MARINERS HOME Read the full article

[sixkidslater-blog]

"Sleep" -Riley Armstrong Style

Does anyone remember the song "Sleep" by Riley Armstrong? I feel like it should be my theme song. Like anytime I get a tad cooky it can just start playing and explain everything. I remember I was a young girl when the song first came out. Back then it was just a really fun song. Now that I am much older, I understand exactly what it means. 

This past weekend was pretty killer for me. I can't believe the absolute lack of sleep that I have had. I usually would become completely cranky when I didn't have enough sleep. However, this was so bad that I actually experienced sort of a euphoric feeling. 

I work the weekends into Monday and Tuesday. I just so happen to go to school on Tuesday also. So, while Tuesday is technically what people would call my "Friday", ( I still don't understand why people say things like that...) it is also the roughest day of the week for me. I wake up at 6:30 am to get the kids ready for school, I take them to school, then I go to school, and its straight off to work until midnight. 

My teacher posted my homework late on Sunday. So late that I wouldn't have even known that it happened. I don't have time Monday to do homework because of my crazy work schedule. So when my shift ended midnight Tuesday morning I had to rush home to complete all my work. I got a total of 2 hours of sleep! I know Boo Hoo! Right?

Well Tuesday when I woke up at 6:30 I felt surprisingly OK. Like I just had the best power nap of my life. I got to class and I couldn't remember anything about my homework. Which really stunk when I found myself with the dry erase marker standing at the front of the class white board.

My class is a hybrid course so most of the teaching is done outside of the class. Then on Tuesday when we meet, the teacher gives us problems at the board and we are expected to solve them. I felt comfortable when I saw everyone's problems... then I saw mine! Why on a day that I stay up till the crack of dawn do I get hit with the only problem I don't remember? Why couldn't I do the end of my homework first so I could remember and not look like a complete idiot?!

As I stand there with the marker in hand and study the problem, anyone could hear a pin drop with the silence in the room. I couldn't figure out where to begin... In my head I gave up. I turned to the class and put out my hands. I was about to tell everyone that I have no clue how to complete the problem. Then something fired in my brain and I remembered how the problem was supposed to look. My face must have been hilarious because people were laughing. I was writing on the board so fast that I wasn't really sure if I was writing what was in my head. Once I was done I took the marker and set it down. This was usually the part where the teacher wants you to explain your processes. Good luck! All I could say was "Don't ask me how I just did that because I really don't remember". I am just really glad that it turned out right. 

After class I was off to work. At work I was really hyper. I had several caffeinated beverages throughout the day. I kept dancing and I couldn't stop shaking. I did so well at work... that is until ten pm hit. At work around ten pm it tends to get super quiet. I turned the television on to help me with background noises. It really didn't help. I had tons of paperwork to complete. Something about paperwork isn't good on only two hours of sleep. I would start writing and dreaming at the same time. I would write a sentence and it would be correct, but by the end of the sentence I would incorporate some weird things. I would have to go wash my face and then read what I wrote. I can't even tell you the crazy incoherent things that I said because I don't remember. All I remember was there were a lot of parts that I marked out. Then I thought about the people who might read them. I felt really terrible. 

I know that being that tired it was really bad that I drove home. I think that being tired is kind of like drunk driving. But what really woke me up was having the windows down and singing along with the music. There aren't a ton of people on the road between midnight and one am. So, I am not really breaking peoples ear drums. When I got home I went immediately to sleep and told myself... If I ever only get two hours of sleep again something in my day will have to be sacrificed. 

I think that it is crazy that I will get two hours of sleep for something that is so important to me. Most of the kids in my class didn't even have all of their work completed. But looking at the bigger picture does help. One day all this hard work will have paid off and I will be somewhere better because of it. Now that day needs to hurry. I will just keep on working hard for now. 

I apologize for my over abundant use of the word "I" and the rambling that this post contains. But it was written while still in anti-sleep detox. 

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KEELEY: MARINERS LAUNCH NEW RADIO SHOW: ‘QUARANTIME’

Michael Keeley talks hockey from home with players and coaches BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – April 7, 2020 – Although there’s been a lack of sports in the world over the last month, the Mariners will be bringing some hockey talkback starting this Thursday night. Media Relations and Broadcast Manager Michael Keeley will be hosting a new show on the Mariners Radio Network called “Quarantime,” in which Mariners players and coaches will call in and join the conversation. The first show will air on Thursday from 5-6 PM ET and will stream live on the Mariners Radio Network, powered by Mixlr. Fans can tune in at MarinersOfMaine.com/listen, Mixlr.com/MaineMariners, or through the Mixlr App, available wherever apps can be downloaded. Keeley will speak with Mariners Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Riley Armstrong from 5-5:30 and forward Dillan Fox will call in from 5:30-6 PM. Listeners can submit questions for guests live through the Mixlr chat. “I think it’s important to bring the conversation back to hockey every now and then, as an escape from the stresses of our current situation,” said Keeley. “It’s been rough for all fans, athletes, and those who work in the sports industry to have virtually no ‘sports escape’ outlets in our lives for the last month. Hopefully, we can take people’s minds off of the virus for a little while.” Thursday’s show will focus on a recap of the 2019-20 season, how Armstrong and Fox are spending their time at home, and a look toward the summer. For fans that can’t tune in to the show live, the full recording will be available on the audio archive at this link. Information on future shows will be posted on Mariners' social media channels as well as MarinersOfMaine.com. The Mariners are raising funds for COVID-19 relief efforts including the United Way of Greater Portland, through sales of an exclusive t-shirt at their online store. The shirt is $20 and is being sold through the end of the business day on April 24th. It can be purchased at this link. Net proceeds benefit the United Way and other local COVID-19 relief funds. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS STIFLED BY MCCOLLUM IN A HOME LOSS TO ROYALS

Former Mariners goalie comes back to haunt  PORTLAND, ME – March 6, 2020 – Tom McCollum made 28 stops, including his biggest on Connor Bleackley in the game’s closing moments, to seal a 2-1 Reading Royals victory on Friday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. It was McCollum’s second win against his former team since being traded from Hartford to Lehigh Valley in an AHL transaction last month. Michael McNicholas scored the Mariners’ lone goal at the 11:00 mark of the third period. The Mariners outshot the Royals 29-24 in the game, creating quality scoring chances throughout the night. They were kept off the board by McCollum until Andrew Sturtz fed McNicholas down to the right of the Reading net with nine minutes remaining in regulation. Matt Nuttle made a good play below the goal line for a secondary helper. “I felt we played really well tonight,” said Mariners head coach Riley Armstrong. “We had tons of chances to score. I thought we made a couple of mistakes that ended up in the back of our net, but for the most part, we played well.” McCollum robbed Bleackley with a great glove save with under 20 seconds to go, and the Mariners net empty, when Terrence Wallin fed one from the goal line to Bleackley at the bottom of the right circle. McCollum stopped 28 to earn his third win in a row and second against the Mariners in nine days. Reading struck for a 1-0 lead halfway through the first period when Steven Swavely entered the zone on the power play and beat the stick-side of Francois Brassard. It remained a 1-0 game until Pascal Laberge broke down the left-wing at 3:23 of the third to double the Royals lead. The Mariners momentum was slowed after McNicholas’ goal when Terrence Wallin was called for a tripping penalty, one of six penalty kills throughout the game for Maine. They also lost Jake Elmer to a game misconduct at the end of the 2nd period. Despite the loss, the Mariners “magic number” for clinching a playoff spot dropped to 13 with Adirondack’s loss to Newfoundland. Throwback Weekend continues on Sunday “I Love the 90s” against Worcester at 3 PM, also featuring a postgame full-team autograph session. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets 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 also 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: SEVENTEEN IS THE MAGIC NUMBER

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  Mar. 2, 2020 – From New Year’s Eve up through Mar. 1 (this past Sunday), the Mariners played 31 games, representing nearly half-the-total number of games of their schedule. The grind ended with a 6-4 loss to the ECHL’s top team, the South Carolina Stingrays on Sunday afternoon at the Cross Insurance Arena, but an overall successful two month period has put the Mariners in a prime spot to clinch their first playoff appearance in franchise history. The magic number sits at 17 points (any combination of Mariners points gained and Adirondack Thunder points left on the table), with 13 games to go. After a lot of time in the bus, plane, and hotels, the Mariners now remain in New England until Mar. 22, playing only at home or in Worcester for the next six games. The week that was Weds, Feb. 26 – MNE: 0, REA: 8 It was a scoreless game through one period, but things got ugly quickly in the 2nd period, with Reading scoring six goals in the first 12 minutes of the frame. Royals forward Max Willman, who had been reassigned from AHL Lehigh Valley the morning of the game, had five points to lead a relentless Royals attack. It was Maine’s fourth straight loss at Santander Arena with one trip remaining. FULL GAME RECAP Fri, Feb. 28 – MNE: 3, WHE: 2 In a homecoming of sorts for Riley Armstrong (who worked for the Wheeling Nailers for two seasons as an assistant coach), the Mariners battled back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits in the latter stages of the 2nd period to win the franchise’s first-ever trip to WesBanco Arena. Terrence Wallin scored twice, including a gift goal that was scored by the Nailers on their own net. Greg Chase netted the game-winner in the third and was recalled to Hartford the next day. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Sun, Mar. 1 – SC: 6, MNE: 4 Most of the scoring came in the 2nd period when each team scored three in what quickly became a see-saw affair. Steve Whitney, who had three points on the day, broke a 4-4 tie late in the 2nd for what would turn out to be the game-winner when the Mariners were held off the board in the third. Jeff Taylor had three assists for Maine, who got goals from Michael McNicholas, Terrence Wallin, Dillan Fox, and Andrew Sturtz. Each team went 2/3 on the power play. The Mariners fell to 2-4-0-0 against the South Division. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Transactions (oldest to most recent) MAR 1 - F GREG CHASE WAS RECALLED TO HARTFORD MAR 1 - F JAKE ELMER WAS REASSIGNED TO MAINE FROM HARTFORD BY THE NY RANGERS This week’s schedule (all times Eastern) Fri, Mar. 6 vs. Reading Royals – 7:15 PM (HOME) – THROWBACK NIGHT/80S NIGHT PRESENTED BY PARTNERS BANK Sun, Mar. 8 vs. Worcester Railers – 3:00 PM (HOME) – I LOVE THE 90S  The Mariners welcome in the Reading Royals on Friday for the third and final time and the 8th of nine overall meetings during the 2019-20 regular season. The Royals are now seven points ahead of Maine for 2nd place in the North, with four games in hand, and have points in six of the seven meetings between the two teams this season. The Mariners will honor the 1980s and the original AHL Mariners franchise by wearing white and orange vintage jerseys of the old Philadelphia Flyers affiliation, which are up for auction now through the Handbid App or at THIS LINK until the start of the third period on Friday. Several Mariners alumni are expected to attend, including Wayne Schaab, Dan Lucas, Terry Murray, and Gary McAdam. Alumni will sign autographs on the concourse during the first intermission. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday featuring $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Light Drafts through the start of the 2nd period. On Sunday, the Worcester Railers visit the Cross Insurance Arena at 3 PM, with the teams still slated for eight meetings before the end of the season. The Railers sit in last place in the North Division and have an elimination number of just eight (points left on the table + points gained by the Brampton Beast). The Mariners have won all five games between the two teams at the Cross Insurance Arena so far this season and are 7-2-0-1 against the Railers overall. Sunday’s promotion is “I Love the 90s,” and Family Four Packs are available when purchased in advance: four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies starting at $80. Doors open one hour before all Mariners home games, one hour and fifteen minutes for season ticket holders. Playoff Picture:

The Mariners “Magic Number” is calculated by the combination of points gained and points “not gained” by the first non-playoff team (Adirondack). For example, each Mariners win reduces the number by two, and each overtime or shootout loss reduces it by one. Conversely, each Adirondack regular loss reduces the number by two, and each Adirondack overtime or shootout loss reduces it by one. The top four teams in the division make the playoffs, with the top two getting “home-ice advantage” in the first round. Adirondack travels to Newfoundland for the next three games, beginning Wednesday night.  Looking ahead: The Mariners wrap up their homestand on Tuesday, Mar. 10, as they welcome in the Norfolk Admirals at 7 PM in the final non-divisional game of the season. Next weekend features a home-and-home with Worcester: at the DCU Center on Friday, and back at the Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday at 6 PM. Promotions feature “Girls Night Out” and Beacon’s Birthday Bash, with a travel toothbrush giveaway to the first 1,000 kids 12 and under. 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: (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: (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 STAY HOT, RUN THE TABLE ON THUNDER IN DECEMBER

Dmowski leads the offense with a pair of goals in 5-1 win BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – December 26, 2019 – Twelve different skaters got on the scoresheet in a 5-1 Mariners win over the Adirondack Thunder on Thursday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. With the win, the Mariners went six-for-six in their meetings with Adirondack in the month of December, and won their seventh out of eight games in the month overall. “I think it was the work that was put in when we weren’t even on the ice,” said Mariners Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Riley Armstrong about the team’s December sweep of their division rivals. “Breaking down video, making sure the guys were prepared and when the guys are prepared and they’re all buying into the system, I think it carries over onto the ice. I think that’s what kind of separated us during these games.” The Mariners played a strong opening period and took a 1-0 lead at 7:35 when Ryan Dmowski finished a pretty passing play, facilitated by Ty Ronning and Ryan Culkin. The Mariners pelted Thunder goaltender Eamon McAdam with 14 first period shots and had several chances to extend their lead, but took the 1-0 advantage into the locker room. Dmowski struck again at 2:27 of the second period, when Jake Elmer fed a him a saucer pass from the right wing, springing Dmowski in alone to beat McAdam to his stick side at the near post. The score remained 2-0 until 10:44 of the middle frame when defenseman Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin beat McAdam’s glove with a shot into the upper to corner to stretch the lead to three. Just over a minute later, Adirondack’s Mike Szmatula beat Connor LaCouvee with a slap shot in the slot to bring Adirondack back within two. Not long after, however, Greg Chase brought the lead back to three when he followed his own shot into the low slot and lifted a second chance over McAdam making it 4-1, which was the score at the end of two. Dmowski attributed his first career multi-goal game to “really, really good passing from my linemates.” “I just came into the game today with a positive attitude and I didn’t let anything phase me and I shot the puck and had confidence,” he said. Adirondack got 15 shots on LaCouvee in the third, but he and the Mariners defense preserved the three goal lead before Dillan Fox hit the empty net from beyond the red line at 17:37 to make it 5-1. LaCouvee made 33 stops for his 8th win. McAdam made 31 saves. It was just the fourth time this season that the Mariners out-shot their opponent. “I think the guys did such a great job boxing out in front,” said LaCouvee. “I saw a lot of easy shots. A lot of shots from the wings, contested shots. All our d-men and forwards did a good job limiting scoring chances.” The Mariners are a season high five games over .500 at 15-10-0-1, winning seven of their last eight games, and now pulling ahead of Adirondack in the standings with 31 points. They’re only three behind the Reading Royals for third place, who are in town tomorrow night. The puck drops at 7:15 PM on Friday and it’s STEM Night – focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including a robotics presentation at intermission. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday, featuring $1 Aquafina water, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Lights through the start of the 2nd period. It’s also the last chance to get the “Skate and Scarf” package, where fans can get a ticket to the game, a Mariners scarf, and a pre-game skate with Beacon the Puffin plus a snack buffet. Only 100 packages are available. 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. Four tiers of holiday packs for all gift-giving budgets are also available at MarinersOfMaine.com/shop. Read the full article

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KEELEY: (TUES) MARINERS COMPLETE THREE GAME SWEEP OF THUNDER IN OT THRILLER

Dillan Fox plays hero as Mariners win fourth straight OT game BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – December 10, 2019 – The Mariners overtime magic is officially alive and well. After a 13-2-1 record in games going past regulation in their inaugural season, Maine improved to 4-0-1 in overtime or shootout games this season with a 3-2 OT win on Saturday night over the Adirondack Thunder at the Cross Insurance Arena. Dillan Fox played hero, scoring the game-winner at 6:21 of the sudden death session, giving the Mariners a three-game sweep over Adirondack in a five-day span. “We committed to playing a system,” said Mariners Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Riley Armstrong of the trio of wins. “Once we got into being above the puck, playing well on the D side, and being patient, it really showed.” The Mariners outshot Adirondack 13-10 in the opening frame and grabbed a 1-0 lead late when Cumberland, Maine native Ted Hart drove the net from the left wall and gobbled up a rebound off the pad of Thunder netminder Evan Cormier for his fifth goal of the season. At 5:56 of the 2nd period, Terrence Wallin intercepted a clearing pass at the top of the Thunder zone and found Ty Ronning at the left circle, who set up Alex Kile on the backdoor to double the Maine lead to 2-0. The pace of the game then slowed down but the score remained 2-0 until an Adirondack power play chance late in the frame. Ryan Gropp was called from crosschecking, and at 18:23, Casey Pierro-Zabotel redirected Jake Linhart’s point shot past Mariners goalie Francois Brassard to get Adirondack on the board. It was a 2-1 game at the end of two. The tight-checking game continued through most of the third but the Mariners had three power play chances and couldn’t extend their lead. Back to back Mariners' penalties to Greg Chase and Brandon Crawley gave Adirondack a late 5 on 3 and the Thunder converted to tie the game. After Mike Szmatula’s backhanded a shot off the crossbar, Robbie Payne cleaned up the rebound to make it 2-2 with 2:56 to go. The Mariners killed Crawley’s penalty to force overtime. Maine controlled play through OT, outshooting Adirondack 7-1, but it took until the final minute for a puck to find the back of the net. Brandon Crawley spotted Dillan Fox going to the net and fed a perfect pass from the left-wing wall onto Fox’s tape for the game-winner at 6:21. The goal broke a six-game drought for Fox, who is the Mariners’ leading scorer. “I’m not even sure a got a piece of it,” said a modest Fox. “But it ended up in the back of the net and those are big points so it felt huge, especially to finish off this three-game sweep.” Brassard was tremendous in net, making 35 saves to earn the win in his season debut. Cormier was also solid, turning aside 34 in the losing effort. “The whole team played a really good game, solid defensively and I think it was a team effort,” said Brassard. “It was hard to give one up on the penalty kill in the third to tie it but it was good to bounce back in overtime.” The Mariners have a four-game road trip leading up to the holidays to Worcester and Glens Falls but return to the Cross Insurance Arena for home games on December 26th and 27th. On the 26th, they host the Adirondack Thunder at 7:00 PM for “Nickelodeon Takeover Night,” featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles specialty jerseys. It’s also Jewish Heritage Night, in celebration of Hanukkah. December 27th is a 7:15 PM faceoff against the Reading Royals. It’s STEM Night, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets 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. Four tiers of holiday packs for all gift-giving budgets are also available at MarinersOfMaine.com. Read the full article

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KEELEY: MARINERS WEEKLY: CLOSING THE POINTS GAP 

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME: Dec. 9, 2019 – A pair of high scoring affairs took place over the weekend between the Mariners and Adirondack Thunder, as the teams played back-to-back 5-4 games in a home-and-home last Friday and Saturday. The Mariners prevailed in both and although Adirondack gained a point in Friday’s overtime loss, Maine closed the gap from seven points to four in the race for fourth place (and the final playoff spot) in the North Division, with the first quarter of the season in the rear-view mirror. It was the first sequence of consecutive wins for the Mariners outside of their four-game streak at the beginning of November and they’ll look to keep December perfect with three games this week – including an appearance by Santa Claus himself on Tuesday in Portland! The week that was Friday, Dec. 6th – MNE: 5, ADK: 4/OT The Mariners were seeking just their second win in their seventh all-time trip to Glens Falls and looked to be in good shape when they built up a 3-0 lead within the first 6:20 of the second period on goals by Jake Elmer, Terrence Wallin, and Ted Hart. Elmer added another moments after Adirondack finally broke the board and Maine had a comfy 4-1 lead, which shrunk to 4-2 through the end of the 2nd. The Thunder rallied with a pair of goals from Robbie Payne to tie it up in the 3rd, but exactly halfway through overtime, Elmer completed his second hat trick of the season against Adirondack to give the Mariners the two points. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Saturday, Dec. 7th – ADK: 4, MNE: 5 Saturday’s game switched venues but played out in similar back-and-forth fashion. Elmer got the sacred Teddy Bear Toss goal just 2:15 into the game, but Adirondack got three in short order to take a two-goal lead. Ryan Gropp and Ryan Ferrill scored to knot the game at three, but the Thunder used the power play to go back ahead before the end of the 2nd period. Elmer capped an unbelievable weekend with his fifth goal in two games to tie it at four, and it was Ty Ronning, who had just been reassigned from the AHL less than 24 hours prior, coming up with the game-winning shorthanded goal to give Maine the weekend sweep. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS  Transactions (oldest to most recent) D Sean Day was reassigned to Maine from AHL Hartford by the New York Rangers F Ty Ronning was reassigned to Maine from AHL Hartford by the New York Rangers F Dwyer Tschantz was released This week’s schedule (all times Eastern) Tues, Dec. 10 vs. Adirondack Thunder – 7:00 PM (HOME) – Santa Claus in town! Fri, Dec. 13 @ Worcester Railers – 7:05 PM (AWAY) Sat, Dec. 14 @ Worcester Railers – 7:05 PM (AWAY)  Tuesday’s meeting with Adirondack will be the third in a row, with still three more in the month of December. The Mariners are currently four points behind Adirondack for fourth place in the North Division, and hold four games in hand. Santa Claus will be in the building, taking photos with fans on the concourse for no additional charge. The Mariners make their second and third of nine trips to Worcester over the weekend, both games beginning at 7:05, with coverage on the Mariners broadcast network beginning at 6:50. A free radio broadcast is available at MarinersOfMaine.com/listen and fans can also subscribe to watch in HD on ECHL.tv – the “AWAY” option will carry the Mariners broadcast. As with 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 full promotional schedule is here. More information on the second annual Teddy Bear Toss can be read in the story under “Community News” below.  Community News MARINERS DONATE OVER 1500 POUNDS OF NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS TO SOUTH PORTLAND FOOD CUPBOARD MARINERS TO COLLECT SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR FOR PREBLE STREET TEEN SERVICES IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY Mariners Coach’s Show The Mariners Coach’s Show returns to its normal Thursday night slot this week – from 6-7 PM on Thursday, December 12th, broadcasting live from Three Dollar Deweys (241 Commercial St. in Portland). Head Coach & Asst. GM Riley Armstrong plus forward Ty Ronning are this week’s guests. The show streams live via Mixlr at MarinersOfMaine.com/listen. Looking ahead: After the Christmas break, the Mariners return to the Cross Insurance Arena to meet Adirondack again at 7 PM on December 26th for Nickelodeon Takeover Night, featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles specialty jerseys, which will be available on auction through the Handbid App. Co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kevin Eastman is a native of Westbrook, Maine. A 7:15 puck drop on December 27th against the Reading Royals is STEM Day, science and technology-related in-game promotions. The full promotional schedule is here. All Friday night home games are “1-2-3 Fridays” featuring $1 Aquafina waters, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Light Drafts through the start of the second period. Holiday Packs: All tiers of Mariners holiday packs are back in stock, with a fourth option – the Frosty Pack, now available! Holiday packs can be purchased through the Mariners online shop 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 at home games in the months of December and January. Fans who donate five items 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: RONNING’S SHORTHANDED GOAL GIVES MARINERS WEEKEND SWEEP OF THUNDER

Mariners come from behind to earn second 5-4 win of the weekend BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – December 7, 2019 – Ty Ronning’s shorthanded goal at 11:40 of the third period broke a 4-4 tie and ultimately gave the Mariners a 5-4 win over the Adirondack Thunder on Saturday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. It was the second such final score of the weekend after a 5-4 Mariners OT win on Friday night in Glens Falls. Jake Elmer continued his dominance of Adirondack with two goals, including the anticipated “Teddy Bear Toss” goal early in the game. It didn’t take long for the Mariners to find the Teddy Bear Toss goal, and the goals scorer came as no surprise. Jake Elmer, who had a hat trick capped by the overtime winner on Friday night in Glens Falls, took a pass from Ted Hart in the slot and beat Eamon McAdam to send the stuffed animals flying. Over 1,500 stuffed animals were collected to benefit local fire departments. Adirondack rallied for three goals between 12:14 and 15:05 of the first period to take a 3-1 lead. Defenseman Colby Sissons ripped a shot off the post from outside the left-wing circle at 12:14 to the tie game. Thirty-six seconds later, James Henry redirected a center point drive from Gabriel Verpaelst to put Adirondack ahead. At 15:05, a puck that rolled off the end boards was misplayed by Mariners goaltender Connor LaCouvee allowing defenseman Tommy Parran to fly in and poke it home for a 3-1 Thunder lead. Before the period ended, Ryan Gropp displayed a great individual effort to bring the deficit back to one, as his zone-entry wrister beat McAdam’s stick side. At 6:11 of the second, the Mariners pulled even when Ryan Ferrill caught McAdam by surprise and cashed a rebound created by Alex Kile's blocked shot. The Thunder regained their lead at 14:36 when they converted on the power play. Casey Pierro-Zabotel was on the doorstep to tap home a shot from Charlie Curti to make it 4-3. Of Adirondack’s nine power play goals to that point on the season, six had come against Maine. The Thunder skated into the third with the one-goal lead. Elmer struck again at 6:04 of the third to tie the game at four. At the end of his shift, Michael McNicholas was able to nudge a puck ahead in the neutral zone and spring Elmer alone on McAdam, who tried to poke check the puck away but left the high glove side open. Of Elmer’s ten goals on the season, nine have come against Adirondack. “I just seem to have a lucky streak against them,” said Elmer. “Hopefully it will carry on to another team and through the whole group.” It was also Elmer’s fifth goal of the weekend. He’s now tied for the team lead with Terrence Wallin. “I think once you get on a roll you can kind of get comfortable with how you’re playing and kind of just get a streak going,” Elmer said. “I’m just trying to carry out with that, try to keep things the same and try not to get in my head.” The Mariners killed off three crucial penalties in the third with Adirondack up 4-3 and then the game tied at four. “I felt the penalty kill did well. We were in the box pretty much the whole night,” said Mariners Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Riley Armstrong. “We altered a couple of things, made a couple of adjustments and I thought we nailed it down pretty good. answered the bell in the third period, making some big saves for us which changed the momentum of the game and kind of put it in our favor. I think the guys really came together in the third.” During the third of the three penalty kills in the third, Terrence Wallin gained the Adirondack zone with the puck and crossed to the middle, eventually leaving it behind for Ty Ronning near the right-wing circle. Ronning powered a wrist shot over McAdam’s glove for a 5-4 Mariners lead, and Maine’s first shorthanded goal of the season. It held up as the game-winner. Ronning was just reassigned from AHL Hartford by the New York Rangers last night. “You come back you know you’re going to be playing a lot,” said Ronning “I just wanted to go play my game. “I knew I had a lot to prove and I just wanted to play my game. We got the outcome we wanted and it was all around a fun game to play.” In between the pipes, LaCouvee made 38 saves on 42 Adirondack shots to earn his fifth win. McAdam stopped 19 of 24 to suffer the loss. The Mariners (10-9-0-1) pulled to within four points of Adirondack for fourth place in the North Division, with still four games in hand. The Mariners and Thunder will play again at the Cross Insurance Arena on Tuesday night at 7:00 PM. Santa Claus will be on the concourse taking photos at no cost. It’s the last chance to catch the Mariners on home ice before Christmas. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets 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. Four tiers of holiday packs are also available at MarinersOfMaine.com. Read the full article

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KEELEY: TED HART NETS FIRST HOME GOAL IN LOSS TO NEWFOUNDLAND

Mariners come alive in third, but can’t pull ahead of Growlers BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – November 30, 2019 – Ted Hart and Jake Elmer scored 19 seconds apart in the third period to wipe out a 2-0 deficit, but Brady Ferguson’s power play goal at the 8:30 mark of the third swung momentum back to Newfoundland’s side and the Growlers skated away with a 5-2 win over the Mariners on Saturday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. The first period was about as even as it could get with the two teams even in goals (0), shots (8), and penalty minutes (2). It took until the 3:53 mark of the 2nd for the game’s first goal and it came off the stick of Newfoundland forward Brady Ferguson. Midway through the frame, Connor LaCouvee made a remarkable glove save to help the Mariners kill a penalty. At 15:24, Ferguson found Marcus Power from behind the net and he extended the Growlers lead to 2-0. The Mariners failed to convert on a pivotal 5-on-3 chance as the period came to an end. Nevertheless, head coach and assistant general manager Riley Armstrong liked the way his team was playing as the game headed to the third. The Mariners already have three wins when trailing after two periods this season. “I just spoke to them about being a third-period team,” he said. “I felt that we were playing good so if we kept being a consistent team and playing the right way eventually things will drop and they did.” At 6:07 of the third period, Cumberland native Ted Hart scored his first home goal (his third overall), as he buried his second of two chances over a fallen Growlers netminder Angus Redmond. Linemates Terrence Wallin and Ryan Gropp collected assists. “It was pretty cool,” said Hart. “I had a lot of family and friends here so it was special for them to see that and it felt good especially because we could cut the deficit in half. Hopefully, there’s more to come.” Just 19 seconds later, Dillan Fox chipped a puck over to Jake Elmer on a rush to quickly even the score at two, and bring the Cross Insurance Arena alive. Newfoundland called its timeout, which ended up paying off. Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin was called for tripping at 7:27, setting up Brady Ferguson’s second tally of the game – in fluke fashion. Ferguson, from the left-wing corner, swung the puck on goal, and it caromed off LaCouvee’s skate at the post and just over the goal line. At 14:43, Trey Bradley added insurance for Newfoundland when he finished Dylan Vander Esch’s pass, following a breakaway out of the penalty box in which he was stopped. Vander Esch added an empty-net goal at 19:18. The Mariners finished 0 for 5 on the power play, and 0 for 11 on the weekend. Angus Redmond made 28 stops to improve to 5-0-0. LaCouvee stopped 28 of 32 to suffer the loss. The Mariners play a home-and-home with the Adirondack Thunder next weekend and are home Saturday at 6 PM for Teddy Bear Toss, presented by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. All stuffed animals collected when fans throw them on the ice after the first Mariners goal will benefit local fire departments. The first 2,000 fans through the door will also get a collectible mini-stick, courtesy of Jobs in ME. Groups of 10 or more can call 833-GO-MAINE to get tickets at a discounted price. Individual game tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, in person at the Trusted Choice Box Office at the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling the box office at 207-775-3458. Read the full article

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KEELEY: TIGHT GAME GETS AWAY FROM MARINERS QUICKLY IN LOSS TO INDY

Indy uses special teams to pull away from Mariners BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – November 29, 2019 – Special teams were the defining difference on Friday night as the Mariners fell 6-0 on home ice to the Indy Fuel. It was a 1-0 game until late in the 2nd period when things started to unravel the Mariners, and they couldn’t recover, nor solve Indy netminder Chase Marchand. “We had opportunities to score on our power play. We didn’t capitalize and we gave up three on our penalty kill so that turns the script pretty quick,” said Mariners head coach and assistant general manager Riley Armstrong. It was Spencer Watson’s power play goal – his second goal of the game – at the 19:08 mark of the 2nd period that set off a string of four Indy goals in an aggregate span of 4:24 from the end of the middle from to the start of the third. It was in that stretch that Indy turned a 1-0 lead into 5-0. Dmitry Osipov’s goal with just nine seconds left in the 2nd sent the Mariners into the locker room down three. Jay Dickman scored a power play goal 44 seconds into the third to make it 4-0, and Nathan Noel made it 5-0 at 3:32. Sam Kurker deflected Alec Brooks’ floating shot home at 16:52 for Indy’s third power play goal of the night. Indy went 3/4 with the man advantage while the Mariners power play went 0/6. Both Watson and defenseman Keoni Texiera led the Indy offense with three points apiece. Chase Marchand, between the pipes for Indy, stopped all 31 shots he faced for his first professional shutout. Tom McCollum made 25 stops in the losing effort. Indy snapped a seven-game losing streak with their win, while the Mariners were shut out for the second time in three home games. “In the whole scheme of a 72 game schedule you can’t fold up the tent halfway through a game you have to keep pushing on because just like the sun comes up tomorrow there’s another game so you have to get back to work,” said Armstrong. That game tomorrow will be home against the Newfoundland Growlers at 6 PM. It’s “Aquaman Night” presented by Spectrum Healthcare Partners. The night will feature specialty Aquaman jerseys as part of the league’s partnership with DC Comics, which will be up for auction during the game through the ECHL on the Handbid App. A balloon artist will also be on hand on the concourse. Groups of 10 or more can call 833-GO-MAINE to get tickets at a discounted price. Individual game tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, in person at the Trusted Choice Box Office at the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling the box office at 207-775-3458. Read the full article

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KEELEY: (SAT) CORMIER SHUTS DOOR ON MARINERS

Mariners unable to break through on Adirondack netminder in shutout loss BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – November 15, 2019 – Adirondack goaltender Evan Cormier stopped all 25 Mariners shots while his offensive provided him with four goals in a 4-0 Thunder shutout win over the Mariners on Saturday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. The loss ended Maine’s four game win streak and was their first defeat of November. Adirondack’s first shot of the game ended up in the back of the net at 5:05 of the opening period, when Blake Thompson’s shot deflected off of Craig Martin and looped up and over Mariners goaltender Connor LaCouvee. The Thunder seemed to gain momentum from the goal, dictating play for the remainder of the period. At 15:31, Jake Linhart crashed the net to finish a rebound created by a Mike Szmatula shot and make it 2-0 Thunder. Adirondack won the opening period shot battle, 15-7. Mariners alternate captain Scott Savage dropped the gloves with Adirondack’s Robbie Payne attempting to gain the Mariners some momentum late in the period. “He said he wanted to go when we went down 2-0 so I thought it would be a good time to get some energy for our team,” said Savage. The Mariners did find energy in the 2nd period, but Adirondack netminder Evan Cormier was on his game, stopping all 13 Maine shots, including several high quality chances on a Mariners power play and in the minutes after. The score remained 2-0 at the end of two. “You’re going to run into hot goalies once in a while but once you hit a hot goalie it’s what you do the next game,” said Mariners Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Riley Armstrong. “It’s that you don’t get frustrated , stay the course, and if guys go into slumps or they think they’re in slumps it’s working hard going to the right spots where you have to score, and that’s in the dirty areas.” The Thunder added to their lead at 3:32 of the third when Ryan Walker finished a pass from Matt Salhany at 3:32. Defenseman Kelly Summers banged one past LaCouvee at 15:25 of the third to put the game away. The Mariners were outshot 14-5 in the third as Cormier finished the 25 save shutout. LaCouvee made 34 saves in the losing effort, as Maine fell to 6-5-0-1 on the season, but finished their home stand with a 5-2-0 record. The Mariners spend next week on the road traveling to Norfolk, Virginia to play the Admirals on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – all 7:30 start times. Broadcast coverage will begin at 7:15 PM each night on the Mariners broadcast network – MarinersOfMaine.com/listen and ECHL.tv. The Mariners return home on Tuesday, November 26th to host the Worcester Railers at 7:00 PM. It’s Autism Awareness night, featuring a game presentation with lower sound, and loud noises for fans with sensitives. Individual game tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, in person at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling the box office at 207-775-3458. For information on group tickets, holiday packs, and other ticketing options, call 833-GO-MAINE. Read the full article