BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners
Feb. 5, 2019 – The Mariners got a feel-good win on Saturday night when they defeated the Adirondack Thunder, 5-3. The victory snapped a five-game skid and also served as a breakout game for the offense, which had scored more than two goals only once in their previous seven games. Four Mariners enjoyed multi-point games, and it was a much-needed confidence boost heading into a three-game home weekend filled with unfamiliar foes.
The week that was
Wednesday, Jan. 30th – MNE: 1, REA: 3
Visiting Reading for the first time since early November, the Mariners played the Royals to a scoreless tie through one period. Reading jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second on goals by Frank Hora and Chris McCarthy. John Furgele split the deficit, but his goal would be the only one the Mariners would muster as an empty netter gave the Royals a two-goal win. FULL GAME RECAP
Friday, Feb. 1st – MNE: 2, MAN: 3
The Mariners registered 17 first period shots but got only one goal to show for it – Greg Chase skated in alone coming out of the penalty box and beat Monarchs goaltender Charles Williams. Before they could take a lead into the locker room, the Mariners surrendered a late power play goal. They lost momentum and fell down 3-1 in the second, but got back to within a goal in the third when Michael McNicholas broke a 13-game scoreless string. Despite a season-high 43 shots in total, the tying goal never came, as the Mariners took a pair of late penalties. Morgan Adams-Moisan was suspended for three games for head contact on Manchester’s Michael Doherty. FULL GAME RECAP
Saturday, Feb. 2nd – ADK: 3, MNE: 5
In a classic back and forth contest, the Mariners had leads of 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, and 4-3, thanks to goals by Drew Melanson, Brycen Martin, Dillan Fox (PPG), and Greg Chase. Finally, with 2:02 left, McNicholas created the game’s first two-goal margin with an insurance tally, set up nicely by Martin. McNicholas and Martin each finished with three points, while Chase and Fox had a goal plus an assist each. Mike Szmatula scored a pair for the Thunder, who saw a three-game win streak come to an end. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS
Transactions
–D Zach Tolkinen was loaned to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack
-The Mariners acquired D Sean Campbell from Reading and F Johnny McInnis from Rapid City
-D Ryan Culkin was recalled to AHL’s Laval Rocket
Coming up (all times Eastern)
Fri, Feb. 8th vs. Cincinnati Cyclones – 7:15 PM (HOME)
Sat, Feb. 9th vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits – 6:00 PM (HOME)
Sun, Feb. 10th vs. Wheeling Nailers – 3:00 PM (HOME)
It’s a three-game home weekend as the Mariners continue their five-game homestand. The Western Conference-leading Cincinnati Cyclones kick off the weekend on Friday, which is “Honor Flight Maine Night” presented by News Center Maine. On Saturday, the Mariners celebrate EqualityMaine Pride night and You Can Play/Hockey is for Everyone, as they host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The first 2,000 fans will receive a pride T-shirt. On Sunday, the Wheeling Nailers, with whom Riley Armstrong coached for two seasons, make their first trip to Maine. Following the game, fans can skate with the team, presented by Redbank Village. The Mariners are calling it, “#3kend.” Fans who check in to all three games at the promotions port will be eligible to win a Mariners Prize Pack.
Fun Facts/Notes:
-The Mariners are now 10-4-0-0 on Saturdays
-Friday’s game is the first in Mariners franchise history against a Western Conference opponent
-Brandon Halverson is 3rd in the ECHL in minutes (1750) and saves (950)
