Rookie netminder returns from loan
BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners
PORTLAND, ME – November 21, 2018 – The AHL’s Utica Comets have returned goaltender Connor LaCouvee to the Mariners. LaCouvee was playing in Utica on a loan, and made one start, appearing in three games for the Comets. He re-joins Brandon Halverson on the Mariners goaltending unit after Chris Nell was reassigned to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
The 24-year-old from Qualicum Beach, BC, made his professional debut in relief on October 20th at Worcester. The next day, he picked up the first win in Mariners franchise history as he made his first pro start. He defeated the Newfoundland Growlers with 32 saves on 34 shots in a 4-2 win. LaCouvee then stopped 36 of 39 as the Mariners defeated Manchester on November 24th. Five days later, he was loaned to Utica.
With the Comets, LaCouvee served as the backup to Ivan Kulbakov. He made his AHL debut on November 10th, when he stopped 21 of 23 in relief against Binghamton. On November 16th, he once again appeared in relief against Syracuse and stopped all eight shots he faced. He made his first AHL start on November 17th and allowed five goals on 28 shots in a loss to Hartford. Overall, LaCouvee posted a 2.87 GAA and a .877 SV% with the Comets.
The Mariners are home this Saturday, November 24th to host the Manchester Monarchs at 6:00 PM. It’s Teddy Bear Toss Night and the first 2,000 fans through the gate will receive a Mariners’ winter beanie. Tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com or by calling 207-775-3458.
