BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners
PORTLAND, ME – Nov. 19, 2018 – Although they play just one game this week, Saturday night is set to be one of the most exciting nights of the season at the Cross Insurance Arena as the Mariners take their first crack at a holiday hockey tradition when they host Manchester at 6:00 PM. Teddy Bear Toss – which has become a staple for minor league hockey teams across the World, encourages fans to bring stuffed animal donations to toss onto the ice after the Mariners scored their first goal. Donations will be split between Toys For Tots and local children’s charities. The first 2,000 fans through the gate will also receive a Mariners’ winter hat beanie.
The week that was
Weds, Nov. 14th – ORL: 3, MNE: 6
The Mariners had their most prosperous offensive game of the season, as they scored a season-high six goals and registered 42 shots, also a high-mark. Shawn St-Amant led the way with the first hat trick in franchise history. Dawson Leedahl, who would be recalled to AHL Hartford after the game, and Terrence Wallin also had two points each. Dwyer Tschantz and Brycen Martin also scored, as the Mariners won their fourth game in a row. FULL GAME RECAP
Fri, Nov. 16th – MNE: 0, BRM: 3
Making their first trip North of the border, the Mariners were flat on Friday night in Brampton, Ontario. They surrendered 46 shots and despite Chris Nell’s best efforts in between the pipes, couldn’t muster a goal on any of their 23. Beast goaltender Etienne Marcoux made some big saves on the way to his first professional shutout. The Mariners had two shorthanded breakaways in the game, foreshadowing for Saturday. FULL GAME RECAP
Sat. Nov. 17th – MNE: 3, BRM: 2
Drew Melanson scored twice, including the shorthanded game-winner in the seventh minute of the third period. Michael McNicholas was involved in all three goals, scoring one and helping set up the other two. The game tilted back and forth with each team holding a one-goal lead at a time, and the game entered the third period tied at two. Brandon Halverson made 28 saves to win his fourth start in a row. The Mariners improved to 5-1-0-1 in November. FULL GAME RECAP
Transactions
-F Dawson Leedahl was reassigned to AHL Hartford by the New York Rangers.
-The Mariners signed F Alec Baer, who was released by the Rapid City Rush on Monday
Coming up
Sat, Nov. 24th vs. MAN – 6:00 PM
WATCH: A video clip on the tradition that is the Teddy Bear Toss: HERE
Mariners Holiday Packs are now on sale! There are three options to choose from Blizzard, Flurry, and Snowflake. Early bird pricing is available through November 26th. Fans can call the Mariners business office at 833-GO-MAINE to purchase.
