Mariners call-ups continue as Ryan Culkin heads to Laval
BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners
PORTLAND, ME – November 22, 2018 – Defenseman Ryan Culkin is the latest Mariner to get an AHL call this week. On Thursday, he was recalled to the AHL’s Laval Rocket. Culkin, who is under contract with the Rocket, could see his first AHL action since 2016-17. He joins Alex Kile, Hayden Verbeek, Dawson Leedahl, Terrence Wallin and Shawn St-Amant as Mariners to earn AHL call-ups this month.
Culkin was assigned to Maine on October 10th – along with Antoine Waked and Morgan Adams-Moisan. In 14 games with the Mariners, Culkin has two goals and seven assists. He scored two of the team’s three goals in their inaugural game against Adirondack on October 13th – a 6-3 loss. Culkin is a native of Montreal, QC.
The 24-year-old defenseman was drafted in 2012 (round 5) by the Calgary Flames. He began his pro career in the AHL when he appeared in 37 games for the Adirondack Flames in 2014-15 and registered one goal and 17 assists. Remaining in the Flames organization, he split the 2016-17 season between AHL Stockton and ECHL Adirondack. He signed with the Tuscon Roadrunners (AHL) in the following offseason but spent the entire 2017-18 season in the ECHL with the Fort Wayne Comets. After posting 38 points in 53 games, Culkin signed with Laval this past summer.
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. All stuffed animal donations can be thrown onto the ice following the Mariners first goal. Proceeds will benefit Maine’s Mariners Toys for Tots and local children’s charities. Tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com or by calling 207-775-3458.
