A Defenseman who received “Exceptional Status” joins Mariners
BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners
PORTLAND, ME – November 6, 2018 – Rookie defenseman Sean Day was assigned by the New York Rangers from the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack to the Maine Mariners on Monday. The 20-year-old blue-liner was only the fourth player ever to be granted “Exceptional Status” by Hockey Canada joining the exclusive company of current NHL stars Connor McDavid, John Tavares, and Aaron Ekblad.
Day was born in Leuven, Belgium, but grew up in Rochester, Michigan. He’s an American-Canadian dual citizen, and after three seasons in U.S. AAA hockey (Little Caesar’s, Honeybaked, Compuware), gained Exceptional Status, making him eligible for the OHL Priority Selection at just 15 years old. He was chosen by the Mississauga Steelheads prior to the 2014-15 season. The Rangers drafted him in the summer of 2016: round 3, 81st overall. In the midst of his fourth season with Mississauga (2016-17), Day was traded to the Windsor Spitfires. In that same season, the Rangers signed him to a three-year entry deal. After winning a Memorial Cup with Windsor, Day was traded again the following season to the Kingston Frontenacs.
Day put up lofty numbers in the OHL – especially for a defenseman, with four seasons of 22 or more points. In his second year with Mississauga, Day scored 10 goals to go along with 26 assists in 61 games. In his final season of juniors, he posted 47 points (5 goals, 42 assists) in 50 games between Windsor and Kingston. With Hartford this season, Day has been held without a point in six games and has a -7 rating.
To make room for Day on the roster, defenseman Alex Adams was released.
After a pair of road games this week, the Mariners return to the Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday at 6:00 PM for a meeting with the Worcester Railers. It’s Marvel Super HeroTM night and Military Appreciation presented by Martin’s Point Health Care. Martin’s Point is also sponsoring a camo drawstring bag giveaway to the first 2,000 fans through the gate. Single game tickets are on sale now at MarinersOfMaine.com or by calling the Trusted Choice Box office at 207-775-3458.
