The former University of New Hampshire forward joins Mariners
BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners
PORTLAND, ME – November 1, 2018 – The Maine Mariners bolstered their offense on Thursday, signing the former University of New Hampshire forward Michael McNicholas. The 5’10, 174 pound center from Reno, Nevada played briefly in the ECHL with the Indy Fuel in 2017-18 and was playing professionally in Norway this season.
McNicholas, 24 years old, was teammates with current Mariners Jason Salvaggio and John Furgele over his four years at the University of New Hampshire (2014-18). His best offensive season was his Junior year of 2016-17 when he posted 43 points in 37 games (13 goals, 30 assists). He led the Wildcats in scoring his Senior season, with five goals and 19 assists in 36 games. In March of 2018, he signed with the Indy Fuel and appeared in three games, registering one assist.
This season, McNicholas was playing overseas in Norway with the Manglerud Star of GET-ligaen, the premier hockey league of the country. He scored two goals with seven assists in 15 games.
The Mariners also added forward Shawn St. Amant yesterday, assigned by their AHL affiliate – the Hartford Wolf Pack. St. Amant was on the 2017 and 2018 Kelly Cup Championship-winning Colorado Eagles teams and has been a pro since 2016-17, despite being just 21 years old. He has played 69 career games in the AHL with San Antonio and Hartford, plus 46 in the ECHL with Colorado. With the Eagles, St. Amant was a big-time playoff performer, with 22 points in 36 postseason games. He had one assist in seven games with the Wolf Pack this season.
With the additions of McNicholas, St. Amant, and Hayden Verbeek (assigned from AHL Laval earlier this week), the Mariners could have three new forwards in Friday’s lineup.
The Mariners host the Reading Royals this Friday night, November 2nd at the Cross Insurance Arena at 7:30 PM. It’s “Hockey Fights Cancer” Night, presented by Holiday Inn By the Bay. It’s also a “1-2-3 Friday”: $1 hot dogs, $2 popcorn, and $3 Bud Lights through the start of the second period. Single game tickets are on sale now at MarinersOfMaine.com or by calling the Trusted Choice Box office at 207-775-3458.
