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mitchbeck · 3 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS & RAILERS VIE FOR ‘VIP RIVALRY CUP’

New England rivalry heats up with new incentives this season BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners Read the full article

#AmericanHockeyLeague #BostonBruins #CrossInsuranceArena #MichaelKeeley #PortlandPirates #WorcesterShark #WorcesterSharks

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mitchbeck · 3 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS AND RAILERS IN PRESEASON GAME

Mariners and Railers play a “home and home” one week before the season begins BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – September 20, 2021 – The Maine Mariners will host the Worcester Railers on Friday, October 15th, at The Colisee in Lewiston for a preseason exhibition game. It’s part of a “home and home” series with the Railers, presented by VIP Tires & Service, one week before the regular season starts on October 22nd. It will be the first chance for Mariners fans to check out the team under the new Boston Bruins affiliation and first-year head coach Ben Guite. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM on October 15th at The Colisee. Admission will be $2 per person (cash only), with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Bar and concessions services will be available. The Mariners will have limited merchandise for sale and an informational table with ticketing options for the regular season. There will also be a radio broadcast of the game, at Mixlr.com/MaineMariners or on the Mixlr App. MORE INFO The Colisee is currently the home of the North American Hockey League’s Maine Nordiques, who captured the 2020-21 NAHL East Division postseason championship this past summer. Over the years, The Colisee has hosted many hockey teams, including the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2003-2011. The Portland Pirates (AHL) played their home games at The Colisee during the 2013-14 season as the Cumberland County Civic Center (now Cross Insurance Arena) was undergoing renovations. The Colisee holds approximately 4,000 fans. The Mariners will travel to Worcester on Saturday, October 16th to play the Railers at the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center at 6:05 PM. A Mariners radio broadcast will be available once again. The two teams will then replicate the series (in their home arenas) the following weekend to open the regular season – Friday, October 22nd at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland and Saturday, October 23rd at the DCU Center in Worcester. The Mariners are now proud affiliates of the Boston Bruins and begin their 2021-22 season, presented by Hannaford To Go on October 22nd, with the home opener against the Worcester Railers, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings. The full schedule can be found here. Full season, half season, 12-game mini plans, and 10-ticket flex plans, as well as group tickets are available now. Single game tickets will go on sale September 29th. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing [email protected], or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.co. MAINE MARINERS HOME Read the full article

#AmericanHockeyLeague #BenGuite #BostonBruin #BostonBruins #Comcast #CrossInsuranceArena #CumberlandCountyCivicCenter #DCUCenter #MaineMariners #MichaelKeeley #NorthAmericanHockeyLeague #PortlandPirates #QuebecMajorJuniorHockeyLeague

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mitchbeck · 3 years

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KEELEY: BEN GUITE NAMED MARINERS HEAD COACH

Guite takes over for Riley Armstrong, Terrence Wallin becomes assistant BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – August 3, 2021 – The Maine Mariners are proud to announce former University of Maine National Champion Ben Guite as the second head coach in team history. Guite takes over for Riley Armstrong, who accepted a position as an assistant coach with the American Hockey League’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Additionally, Terrence Wallin has been named the new assistant coach of the Mariners. “We are thrilled to bring on Ben as the second head coach in Mariners history,” said Danny Briere, Mariners President, and Governor. “He has a wealth of experience in professional hockey from his playing career, and an established connection with the state of Maine as both a player and a coach. His ability to recruit talent will translate well to the ECHL and we look forward to Ben helping us continue to build on the winning culture we’ve established here.” Guite, 43, was a part of the University of Maine men’s hockey coaching staff from 2013-2021, originally as an assistant. For the past four seasons, he served as associate head coach. Following the tragic death of Black Bears Head Coach Red Gendron in April, Guite was named interim head coach. The Mariners will be his first professional coaching opportunity and his first as a head coach. “It’s a huge honor to be able to be a head coach in the ECHL,” said Guite. “I am very thankful for Danny showing the confidence in selecting me as head coach and to Riley for making the transition seamless with the players and helping in securing the best possible team for our fans for the upcoming season.” REACTION “It’s a new and exciting challenge, being a head coach in one of the top developmental leagues in the world,” added Guite. “This is a great opportunity to work hand in hand with the Bruins and their prospects. I am really looking forward to working with and help move our players up while providing our fans championship-caliber hockey.” A former center, Guite also played for UMaine from 1996-2000, winning the National Championship with the Black Bears in 1999. The following season, he was named assistant captain and led the team with 22 goals. Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1997, Guite went on to enjoy a 13-year professional career. He made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins during the 2005-06 season, and also played for the Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators. In total, he appeared in 174 career NHL games, scoring 19 goals, 26 assists, and registering 97 penalty minutes. Guite also brings familiarity with the Mariners' new AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. He played two full seasons with the P-Bruins from 2004-2006, helping them on a run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2005. Other AHL organizations Guite played for include the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, Albany River Rats, Milwaukee Admirals, Springfield Falcons, and Worcester Sharks. He has just under 600 career AHL games under his belt. Guite’s first year as a pro was spent in the ECHL, with the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks in 2000-01. BACKGROUND Guite is a native of LaSalle, Quebec. He and his wife, Kristen – Portland native, have two sons: Patrick and Maxime. The first addition to Guite’s staff will be Terrence Wallin, who retires after a five-year professional playing career, the last two serving as an alternate captain of the Mariners. Wallin was the team’s co-leader in goals in 2019-20, scoring 23, a career-high. Late in the offseason of 2018, the Mariners acquired Wallin from the Adirondack Thunder in exchange for defenseman Matias Cleland. It was the first trade in Mariners franchise history. The move brought Wallin closer to family. Although he’s a native of Yardley, PA, Wallin has Maine roots in Kennebunk. In two seasons, he accumulated 73 points, including 34 goals – ranking him 2nd in both categories on the franchise career leaderboards. He also holds the top franchise career marks in shots on goal (302) and game-winning goals. (9) “Getting this job means a ton to me,” said Wallin. “I have loved this game my whole life and given everything to it, so being rewarded with this opportunity is huge. This will be a great experience working under two great hockey minds like Danny and Ben. It will be a welcomed adjustment from playing because in the long run, coaching is something that I am very passionate about.” Although he’ll be making his coaching debut this season, the 29-year-old Wallin has plenty of experience teaching the game. He founded “Evolution Hockey” in 2019, teaching skill development to players of all ages through his Maine-based hockey camps. Wallin has expanded his program into a Gorham-based youth hockey travel program, the Maine Evolution. Wallin replaces Anthony Bohn on the coaching staff, who departed the Mariners after the 2019-20 season, and is now the head coach of the El Paso Rhinos of the North American Hockey League. “Although he’s decided to retire from playing, we’re glad Terrence is staying in the Mariners family,” said Briere. “After seeing his leadership as our alternate captain the past two seasons, we know he will make a seamless transition into coaching. What he’s done with his youth hockey program in just a few years is remarkable and he will help us bridge the gap with the arrival of a new head coach.” The Mariners are now proud affiliates of the Boston Bruins and begin their 2021-22 season, presented by Hannaford To Go on October 22nd, with the home opener against the Worcester Railers, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings. The full schedule can be found here. Full season, half season, 12-game mini plans, and 10-ticket flex plans, as well as group tickets are available now. Single game tickets will go on sale September 29th. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing [email protected], or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.com. Photos of Ben Guite credit to University of Maine Athletics MAINE MARINERS HOME Read the full article

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mitchbeck · 3 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS ANNOUNCE MAJOR THEME NIGHTS

Twelve initial themes were revealed for the 2021-22 promotional schedule BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – July 20, 2021 – The Maine Mariners announced their initial list of major theme nights for the 2021-22 season on Tuesday. Set for a full 36 game home schedule, the Mariners will bring back many favorite theme nights from the past while introducing some new concepts. All theme nights are subject to change, and more will be announced in the coming weeks and months. The 2021-22 season is presented by Hannaford to Go. Opening Night is Friday, October 22nd, against the Worcester Railers at 7:15 PM and is sponsored by Skowhegan Savings. The Mariners will salute local healthcare workers for their dedication through the COVID-19 pandemic. A magnet schedule giveaway will be presented by Portland North Dental. The Mariners have additional surprises planned to celebrate the new Boston Bruins affiliation and the long-awaited return of hockey to the Cross Insurance Arena. On Sunday, October 31st, the Mariners will hold a Halloween-themed game with “Sunday Scaries.” It’s a 3:00 PM afternoon faceoff that will feature a postgame trick-or-treat for kids. In addition, fans are encouraged to dress in costumes and enjoy Halloween music and activities throughout the game. The Mariners partner with the Dempsey Center on Friday, November 5th, a cancer management organization founded by Hollywood star and Lewiston native Patrick Dempsey. November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and the month of “Movember,” a hockey-centric men’s health initiative. The Mariners will raise money for the Dempsey Center through a special ticket package and other opportunities throughout the game. One day after Veteran’s Day is Military Appreciation Night on Friday, November 12th, presented by Martin’s Point, honoring the men and women who served and continue to serve the country. The Mariners will wear special camouflage jerseys, which were voted on by the fans last year. Saturday, December 4th, will be the annual Teddy Bear Toss game, also featuring the theme of the Warner Bros. movie “Elf.” This will also be a specialty jersey game with a holiday theme throughout the night. In addition, fans will be encouraged to dress as Santa Claus – to create a “Santa Con!” “Kids Club Day” will focus on the young fans – an afternoon midweek game during holiday break on Wednesday, December 29th at 3 PM. Members of Beacon’s Kids Club will assist Mariners' staff in-game production and have the opportunity to enjoy game day experiences like watching warmups from the bench or dropping the puck. The entire day will be kid-centric. Ring in 2022 with the Mariners, as well! A long-standing Portland hockey tradition, the New Year’s Eve game returns to the Cross Insurance Arena on the final day of 2021. It’s a 5:00 PM face-off on December 31st. On Sunday, January 9th, a night specifically dedicated to the Boston Bruins affiliation will be “Affiliation Day.” The familiar Bruins black and gold color scheme will be featured, and fans will be encouraged to wear their Bruins gear. On Saturday, January 19th, the popular “Throwback Night” returns, emphasizing “throwing it back” to the 1990s – the last time a Bruins affiliate played in Portland. Ticket prices from the 1990s will make a comeback – with all tickets $8 for the game. In addition, season ticket holders will receive a commemorative throwback ticket stub, and a giveaway will be 90s-themed. Alumni appearances included, as always. “Country Night” is scheduled for Saturday, March 19th. Fans will be encouraged to wear cowboy hats and boots and enjoy country music throughout the game. The much anticipated “Maine Wild Blueberries” will return on Saturday, March 26th. We’ll once again experience “what could have been” if the team naming contest had gone differently, as the Mariners become the Wild Blueberries for a night, including the return of the now-famous jerseys. Oakhurst Dairy sponsors the game, which is part of one of four “3Kends” throughout the season, presented by Three Dollar Deweys. Finally, “Fan Appreciation Weekend” closes out the season on April 15th and 16th, with prizes giveaways throughout each game and a celebration of the people that make Mariners hockey possible – the fans! Additional theme nights, giveaways, special ticket packages, and further information on the themes listed above will be announced in the future. In addition, the complete list of specialty jerseys will also be revealed in a separate announcement. The full 2021-22 Mariners schedule can be found here. Full season, half-season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans, as well as group tickets, are available now. All new and existing full and half-season ticket holders who deposit by August 1st are eligible to receive an exclusive Mariners jacket (full) or hooded sweatshirt. (half) For a limited time, to commemorate the new affiliation with the Bruins, ticket package deposits are just $19.92. Single-game tickets will go on sale in September. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing [email protected], or visiting MarinersOfMaine.com. HOME Read the full article

#BostonBruins #CrossInsuranceArena #Halloween #MaineMariners #MichaelKeeley #TeddyBearToss #WorcesterRailers

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mitchbeck · 3 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS ANNOUNCE INITIAL PROTECTED LIST

Mariners retain rights of 17 players to begin building a roster BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – July 2, 2021 – The Maine Mariners released their 2021 Protected List on Friday, containing 17 names of players whose ECHL rights will be retained by the Mariners. The Protected List is the first phase in a three-step process of protecting players’ rights, followed by submitting a season-ending roster and finally, issuing qualifying offers. The Protected List is as follows: FORWARDS (11): Conner Bleackley, Jonathan Desbiens, Ryan Ferrill, Dillan Fox, Ben Freeman, Ted Hart, Alex Kile, Nick Master, Michael McNicholas, Mikael Robidoux, Andrew Romano DEFENSEMEN (6): Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin, Nate Kallen, Ryan Jackson, Michael Kim, Dallas Rossiter, Scott Savage

RULES

Any Player who had originally signed with one of the 12 Teams (Mariners included) not participating in the 2020-21 Season, and went on to sign with one of the 2020-21 Active Teams, shall have his Player Rights revert back to the original Member Team’s Protected List. Any Player who was issued a Qualifying Offer by a Member that elected Pandemic Voluntary Suspension, but never signed the Qualifying Offer, shall be declared a Free Agent for the 2021-22 Season. Any Player signed as an Amateur prior to the 2020-21 Season (i.e. straight out of college or juniors with zero pro experience) whose Member Team elected to take Pandemic Voluntary Suspension, and who subsequently did not play in the ECHL during the 2020-21 Season, may be voluntarily omitted from his Member's Protected List without penalty. Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that: - Signed an SPC in 2020-21 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR 2. Signed an SPC in 2020-21, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR 3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current Season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR 4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR 5. Signed an SPC on or after the first day of the 2020-21 Regular Season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR 6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released. Protected lists may exceed 20 players.

ROSTERS

The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on July 5 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on July 8. Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2020-21. The Mariners are now proud affiliates of the Boston Bruins and begin their 2021-22 season, presented by Hannaford To Go, begins on October 22nd, with the home opener against the Worcester Railers, presented by Skowhegan Savings. The full schedule can be found here. Full season, half-season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans, as well as group tickets, are available now. All new and existing full and half-season ticket holders who make a deposit by August 1st are eligible to receive an exclusive Mariners jacket (full) or hooded sweatshirt. (half) For a limited time, to commemorate the new affiliation with the Bruins, ticket package deposits are just $19.92. Single-game tickets will go on sale in September. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing [email protected], or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.com. MAINE MARINERS HOME Read the full article

#AlexKile #BenFreeman #BostonBruins #CHL #ConnerBleackley #DillanFox #ECHL #JonathanDesbiens #JorgeCampillo #MaineMariners #Marc-Olivier #MichaelKeeley #MichaelMcNicholas #NateKallen #NHL #NickMaster #ScottSavage #WorcesterRailers

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS ANNOUNCE 2020 PROTECTED LIST

Twenty players listed in step one of the rights protection process BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – June 2, 2020 – The Maine Mariners released their 2020 Protected List on Tuesday, containing 20 names of players of whom the Mariners retain ECHL rights. The Protected List is the first phase in a three-step process of protecting players’ rights, followed by submitting a season-ending roster and finally, issuing qualifying offers. The Protected List is as follows: FORWARDS (11): Conner Bleackley, Ryan Ferrill, Dillan Fox, Brian Hart, Ted Hart, Corey Kalk, Alex Kile, Nick Master, Michael McNicholas, Mikael Robidoux, Terrence Wallin DEFENSEMEN (8): Josh Couturier, Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin, Nathaniel Kallen, Austin McEneny, Matt Nuttle, Jonathan Racine, Dallas Rossiter, Gabriel Sylvestre GOALTENDERS (1): Francois Brassard Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that: 1. Signed an SPC in 2019-20 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR 2. Signed an SPC in 2019-20, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR 3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current Season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR 4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR 5. Signed an SPC on or after the first day of the 2019-20 Regular Season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR 6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released. Protected lists may exceed 20 players. The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on June 12 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on June 15. Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2019-20. Full and half-season ticket packages as well as mini-plans and flex packs for the 2020-21 season, sponsored by Hannaford To Go, are available by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Registration is open for the Aroma Joe’s “Read with ME” program, allowing kids in grades K-8 to earn Mariners and Aroma Joe’s prizes for accumulating reading hours. The latest Mariners merchandise is available at our online store: MarinersOfMaine.com/shop. The Mariners have also partnered with Evergreen Credit Union, the Portland Sea Dogs, and the Maine Red Claws to support the Good Shepherd Food Bank through a virtual food drive for COVID-19 relief at Fans4Food.com. Read the full article

#AHL #AlexKile #BrianHart #CHL #DillanFox #ECHL #IIHF #MaineMariners #MichaelKeeley #MichaelMcNicholas #NHL #RyanFerrill #TerrenceWallin

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS ANNOUNCE END OF SEASON AWARDS

Wallin, Ronning, Fox, Hart, and Culkin recognized BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – April 23, 2020 – Mariners Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Riley Armstrong announced the end of season team awards on Thursday. Forwards Terrence Wallin, Ty Ronning, Dillan Fox, Ted Hart, and defenseman Ryan Culkin were all recognized for their achievements in the 2019-20 season. The “Community Leader” Award went to Terrence Wallin. The second-year alternate captain put in 12 hours of community service in 2019-20, the most of anyone on the team. He participated in events such as the South Portland Fire and Police Community Open House, volunteering at the South Portland Food Cupboard, and participating in the Aroma Joe’s Community Skate. Wallin also runs “Evolution Hockey,” which puts on camps for youth hockey players and has launched a computer-based “Quarantine Classroom,” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although he’s a native of Pennsylvania, Wallin has Maine roots in Kennebunk, which he called home for many years. “Terrence has devoted himself to the community in Portland,” said Armstrong “He continues doing work even now with his zoom hockey skills to help develop and grow the game in Maine.” The “Most Improved Player” award went to Ty Ronning, who saw his season similarly split between Maine and the Hartford Wolf Pack for the second year in a row. The 2016 draft pick of the New York Rangers posted 11 goals and 13 assists in his 28 games as a Mariner in 2019-20. “The way Ty approached this season on being sent to Maine was a 180 from last season,” said Armstrong. “His maturity level both on and off the ice was eye-opening for me. The way he played in Maine, he really deserved to be up in Hartford.” Ronning got a pair of call ups to the Wolf Pack – first on October 24th, 2019, and again on February 3rd, 2020, after which he stayed in the AHL for the remainder of the season. With the Mariners in 2019-20, Ronning had three multi-goal games, highlighted by his second career hat trick on January 24th, 2020 in an 8-1 home win against the Worcester Railers. Ronning will forever hold legendary status in Mariners history for his five-point ECHL debut on November 24th, 2018 vs. Manchester, still a single-game franchise record. The team’s “Unsung Hero” was Dillan Fox for the second year in a row. Fox was tied for the team lead in goals with 23, and power play goals with five. He has also become the franchise’s career leader in both categories through its first two seasons. Fox played in 59 games for the Mariners in 2019-20, second to Michael McNicholas’ 60. “Dillan pretty much put the team on his back at the start of the year scoring some big goals and breaking the 20 goal plateau,” said Armstrong. His blazing start to 2019-20 was marked by six goals in the first six games of the season. Fox initially joined the Mariners on a loan from the SPHL in January 2019 and made a name for himself by scoring 16 goals in 37 games for Maine in the inaugural season. This past season, he had nine multi-point games for the Mariners including a four-point performance on November 22nd at Norfolk. On December 28th, 2019, Fox was loaned to Hartford and made his AHL debut by dressing in two games for the Wolf Pack. Ted Hart was named “Rookie of the Year.” The Cumberland native officially became the first Maine-born Mariner on November 9th, 2019 when he made his ECHL debut in a 5-1 win over the Adirondack Thunder. Hart scored his first ECHL on November 20th at Norfolk and finished the season with 10 goals and eight assists in 48 games. Hart was initially cut from the team after training camp, but put up six points in five games with the Southern Professional Hockey League’s Peoria Rivermen, and stuck with the Mariners for the rest of the season after his November recall. “Once he came back to Maine from the SPHL, he showed that he can play in this league,” said Armstrong. “I can see Ted scoring 30 goals if he puts the work in the summer.” Hart, 24, is a former two-time Maine state champion for Greely High School and played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey for Yale University before turning pro this past season. Armstrong named co-MVPs for 2019-20. Wallin and defenseman Ryan Culkin share the honor. “Terrence was our most consistent player throughout the course of the year making a big impact in every game that he played in,” said Armstrong. “Ryan was a big part of the D-core even though he only played half the season for us. He played in all key areas and big minutes.” Wallin finished second on the team with 43 points, and tied Fox for the goals lead, with 23. That mark was a career-high in his fifth pro season, and he was seven points shy of his career-high in points, with 10 games canceled due to COVID-19. To illustrate his consistency, Wallin had just one span of more than two games without a point in the entire 2019-20 season. He registered his first career hat trick on January 3rd, 2020 against the Jacksonville Icemen. Culkin, also a second-year Mariner, was remarkably productive offensively from the blue line. His 33 points in 45 games were by far the most by a Mariners defenseman (13 more than the next highest: Sean Day), and also good for fifth on the team overall. Under contract with the AHL’s Laval Rocket, Culkin was recalled in late November and again – for good, in mid-February. Like Fox, Culkin had a four-point game on November 22nd in Norfolk, highlighting his season. Maine Mariners Award History: Community Leader 2018-19: Louie Rowe 2019-20: Terrence Wallin Most Improved Player 2018-19: Dwyer Tschantz 2019-20: Ty Ronning Unsung Hero 2018-19: Dillan Fox 2019-20: Dillan Fox Rookie of the Year 2018-19: Michael McNicholas 2019-20: Ted Hart Most Valuable Player 2018-19: Greg Chase 2019-20: Terrence Wallin/Ryan Culkin The Mariners are supporting local COVID-19 relief efforts in a number of ways. “HOME” t-shirts are on sale through Friday, April 24th at the online merchandise store, with net proceeds benefitting the United Way of Greater Portland and other local COVID-19 relief funds. Local school districts and other non-profits are also being supported by the Mariners by way of an exclusive specialty jersey auction through Handbid, which runs through May 1st. Additionally, the Mariners have partnered with Evergreen Credit Union, the Portland Sea Dogs, and the Maine Red Claws to support the Good Shepherd Food Bank in a virtual food drive at Fans4Food.com. Read the full article

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS LAUNCH NEW RADIO SHOW: ‘QUARANTIME’

Michael Keeley talks hockey from home with players and coaches BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – April 7, 2020 – Although there’s been a lack of sports in the world over the last month, the Mariners will be bringing some hockey talkback starting this Thursday night. Media Relations and Broadcast Manager Michael Keeley will be hosting a new show on the Mariners Radio Network called “Quarantime,” in which Mariners players and coaches will call in and join the conversation. The first show will air on Thursday from 5-6 PM ET and will stream live on the Mariners Radio Network, powered by Mixlr. Fans can tune in at MarinersOfMaine.com/listen, Mixlr.com/MaineMariners, or through the Mixlr App, available wherever apps can be downloaded. Keeley will speak with Mariners Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Riley Armstrong from 5-5:30 and forward Dillan Fox will call in from 5:30-6 PM. Listeners can submit questions for guests live through the Mixlr chat. “I think it’s important to bring the conversation back to hockey every now and then, as an escape from the stresses of our current situation,” said Keeley. “It’s been rough for all fans, athletes, and those who work in the sports industry to have virtually no ‘sports escape’ outlets in our lives for the last month. Hopefully, we can take people’s minds off of the virus for a little while.” Thursday’s show will focus on a recap of the 2019-20 season, how Armstrong and Fox are spending their time at home, and a look toward the summer. For fans that can’t tune in to the show live, the full recording will be available on the audio archive at this link. Information on future shows will be posted on Mariners' social media channels as well as MarinersOfMaine.com. The Mariners are raising funds for COVID-19 relief efforts including the United Way of Greater Portland, through sales of an exclusive t-shirt at their online store. The shirt is $20 and is being sold through the end of the business day on April 24th. It can be purchased at this link. Net proceeds benefit the United Way and other local COVID-19 relief funds. Read the full article

#DillanFox #MaineMariners #MichaelKeeley #RileyArmstrong

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS WEEKLY: 2019-20 SEASON RECAP

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME: Here is a recap of key dates and events from the 2019-2020 season. Mar. 24, 2020 – Regardless of the hockey team one played, worked, or rooted for in 2019-20, it will be a season they’ll never forget. An abrupt end to the ECHL season cut down the Maine Mariners schedule to 62 games and took away what looked to be the first postseason appearance in franchise history. While we’ll never know how the 2019-20 season would have turned out in the end, the second season of Mariners hockey brought many exciting moments to the Cross Insurance Arena and the great hockey fans of Maine. Here are some significant moments that marked the shortened, but a memory-filled season that was. October 11th, 2019 vs. ADK: The Mariners open the season at home against the Adirondack Thunder, just as they did in their inaugural campaign. Unfortunately, history repeats itself and the Mariners suffered a 5-2 loss. Taylor Cammarata scores both Maine goals, attempting to bring them back from a 3-0 deficit late. October 19th, 2019 @ REA: The Mariners get their first win of the season, spoiling the Reading Royals home opener. Tom McCollum(who would ironically become a Royal later in the season), makes 44 saves, and the Mariners put up 5 goals in a 5-3 victory. This would turn out to be their lone win in Reading for the season. November 9th, 2019 vs. ADK: In front of the largest crowd of the season (4,588) on Military Appreciation Night, Jake Elmer nets the first of four Mariners hat tricks, leading the Mariners to a 5-1 win over Adirondack. November 11th, 2019 vs. REA: With Gritty in the building, the Mariners defeat the Reading Royals, 4-3 in overtime. Alex Kile scores the game-winning goal just 23 seconds into the extra period, his first goal of the season. Kile would prove to be a clutch OT player for the Mariners all season long. November 15th, 2019 vs. BRM: The Mariners honor NHL refereeing great, Maine Sports Hall of Fame inductee, and South Portland resident Wes McCauley, as they defeat the Brampton Beast, 6-3 despite letting a 3-0 lead slip away quickly late in the 2nd period. The win is the Mariners’ fourth in a row. November 26th, 2019 vs. WOR: After losing two of three in Norfolk, the Mariners return home before Thanksgiving to win a wild one in overtime, 5-4 in their first home meeting of the season with the Worcester Railers. Ryan Gropp scores two goals while Kile gets his second overtime winner in the span of 15 days. This turns out to be the final game for Railers head coach Jamie Russell, who is relieved of his duties the following day. December 6th, 2019 @ ADK: Jake Elmer registers his second hat trick against Adirondack in less than a month, capping it with the overtime winner to rescue the Mariners, who had blown a 4-1 lead. It was only Maine’s second-ever win at the Cool Insuring Arena but would turn out to be the start of a remarkable Mariners run in Glens Falls. December 7th, 2019 vs. ADK: Elmer continues his dominance of the Thunder, scoring the Teddy Bear Toss goal early, and adding his fifth goal of the weekend to later tie the game at 4 in the third period. Ty Ronning’s shorthanded goal is the game-winner and Elmer goes on to win ECHL Player of the Week honors. December 10th, 2019 vs. ADK: Francois Brassard makes his season debut and gets the win as Dillan Fox tips home a Brandon Crawley pass in the final minute of overtime to give the Mariners a 3-2 win and a three-game sweep of Adirondack. December 21st, 2019 @ ADK: The Mariners finish off back-to-back pre-Christmas 4-3 shootout wins in Adirondack when Taylor Cammarata scores in the fifth round to end it. Each game featured the Thunder tying it up late, but the Mariners getting the shootout bonus point. Maine goes into holiday break in sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot in the North Division and a season-high four games above .500. January 3rd, 2020 vs. JAX: The Mariners and the Jacksonville IceMen meet for the first time ever, and Maine rallies from down 3-2 late in the 2nd to get a 5-3 win. Terrence Wallin’s first career hat trick leads the way as he scores one in each period, including the game-winner in the third. January 14th, 2020 vs. WOR: The Mariners snapped a five-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over Worcester at home. Rookie forward Mikael Robidoux enters the scene, stirring up physical play and drawing the Railers into penalties, ultimately allowing the Mariners to score back-to-back power play goals late in the 3rd to flip the score in their favor. January 24th, 2020 vs. WOR: Returning from the All-Star break after playing eight games in ten days, the Mariners explode for a franchise-best eight goals – three by Ty Ronning. They score three goals in a 58-second span in the 2nd period to pull away. Adam Huska makes his Mariners debut in between the pipes and makes 43 saves. January 29th, 2020 @ ADK: The Mariners win yet again in Glens Falls 3-0, as Connor LaCouvee picks up his third shutout in a span of 10 starts and his second in a row. Their win two nights later makes it six consecutive road victories over Adirondack. The streak goes to seven with another win in mid-February. February 1st, 2020 vs. ADK: In a partnership with Agren and Make-A-Wish Maine, the Mariners wear jerseys designed by 11-year-old “Wish Kid” Ellie LaBree, and take down the Thunder, 3-2 in OT. Michael McNicholas scores the golden goal, which improves the franchise’s all-time “extra time” record to 20-3-2 (W-OTL-SOL). February 7th, 2020 vs. WOR: LaCouvee makes 45 stops to lead the Mariners to a season-high five wins in a row, squeezing out a 2-1 victory over Worcester. The streak ends the following night, with a 3-2 OT loss to Brampton, but the point streak gets to six. February 11th, 2020 vs. BRM: The Mariners salvage the last of a three-game home set with the Brampton Beast when Alex Kile gets his third OT winner of the season with less than a minute remaining. This would turn out to be the final win on home ice for the Mariners in 2019-20. February 14th, 2020 @ NFL: The Mariners are on the wrong side of some ECHL history when the Newfoundland Growlers win their 19th consecutive home game, 5-1. The Mariners fall to 0-5-0-0 all-time at Mile One Centre, but the best is yet to come. February 15th, 2020 @ NFL: Morgan Adams-Moisan scores a late power play goal to break a 1-1 tie and end the Growlers’ streak before it can reach 20. Francois Brassard gets his first of consecutive wins in between the pipes as the Mariners go on to take three in a row in St. John’s, becoming the first team to ever do so against the Growlers. February 26th, 2020 @ REA: The Royals crush the Mariners, 8-0, the largest margin of defeat in franchise history. The Mariners play the game with just four defensemen due to injuries and the last moment illness to captain Zach Tolkinen. February 28th, 2020 @ WHE: The franchise’s first trip to Wheeling marks a homecoming for Mariners Head Coach Riley Armstrong, who was an assistant for the Nailers from 2016-18. Terrence Wallin scores a pair – including the beneficiary of a Nailers' “own goal,” and Greg Chase scores the game-winner in the 3rd. This becomes Maine’s final victory of the season. March 10th, 2020 vs. NOR: The fateful final game of the season, unbeknownst to anyone. The Mariners battled back from a pair of one-goal deficits but Norfolk’s J.C. Campagna scores on a breakaway with 2:05 left to hand the Mariners a 3-2 loss. The final goal of the Mariners’ season belongs to Cumberland native, Ted Hart. The Mariners' final record will read 32-26-3-1. They went 16-15-2-0 on home ice and 16-11-1-1 on the road (they had only 15 road wins in all of 2018-19). When the season halted, the Mariners were 11 points ahead of Adirondack for the fourth and final playoff spot in the North Division, and three points behind Brampton for third place. They had seven games remaining with Worcester, two with Adirondack, and one with Reading. CLICK HERE for a video recap of the 2019-20 season! 2019-20 Records: Overall: 32-26-3-1 Home: 16-15-2-0 Road: 16-11-1-1 vs. ADK: 12-4-0-0 vs. WOR: 7-2-1-1 vs. NFL: 5-6-0-0 vs. BRM: 3-2-2-0 vs. REA: 2-6-0-0 The Mariners used 42 different players this season: 23 forwards, 15 defensemen, and 4 goaltenders. 2019-20 Team Leaders: Points: Alex Kile (51) Goals: Terrence Wallin/Dillan Fox (23) Assists: Alex Kile (35) Games Played: Michael McNicholas (60) PIM: Mikael Robidoux (80) PPG: Terrence Wallin/Dillan Fox (5) SHG: Michael McNicholas (2) GWG: Terrence Wallin (7) Wins: Connor LaCouvee (20) GAA: Connor LaCouvee (2.75) SV%: Connor LaCouvee (.915) Notable League Ranks (Individual): Terrence Wallin – T-2nd, game-winning goals (7) Alex Kile – T-2nd, longest road point streak (12 games, 11/22/19-1/7/20) Connor LaCouvee – 4th, saves (1060), 4th, shootout SV% (.833), 13th, GAA (2.75) Ryan Culkin – 16th, points by a defenseman (33) Notable League Ranks (Team): Team, shorthanded goals against – T-3rd (4) Team, penalty kill – 6th (83.7%) Team, road penalty kill – 6th (85.5%) Read the full article

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS CELEBRATE BEACON’S BIRTHDAY SATURDAY

First 1,000 kids receive a travel toothbrush BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – March 11, 2020 – Mariners mascot, Beacon the Puffin, turns two years old on Saturday, and the Mariners will celebrate with “Beacon’s Birthday Bash” during their game against the Worcester Railers at 6 PM. Only three home games remain in the 2019-20 regular season. Beacon was revealed as the Mariners mascot on August 15th, 2018, two months before the Mariners began their inaugural season. An Atlantic puffin from Machias Seal Island in the Gulf of Maine, Beacon quickly skated into the hearts of Mariners fans, making many appearances throughout Maine communities in addition to each and every Mariners home game. On Saturday, Beacon’s mascot friends will be on hand to celebrate, including Slugger the Sea Dog, Scrubby from Spectrum Healthcare Partners, and Bruce the Moose, the mascot of the Sanford Mainers baseball team. The mascots will participate in in-game activities and promotions and interact with fans. The first 1,000 kids in attendance (ages 12 and under), will receive a Mariners travel toothbrush set. Two special ticket packages are also available for Saturday’s game. The “Girls Night Out” package includes a ticket to the game, pre-game “Hockey 101 with wine” session, a Mariners can koozie, a prize drawing including a signature manicure at H&E Paint Bar, and a postgame meet and greet with Mariners players. Girls Night Out packages are available at the Mariners Theme Night Tickets Page and can be purchased up until noon on Saturday. Additionally, Saturday is one of two games that remain for the “Family Four Pack.” Starting at $80, families of four can get four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners' beverage koozies. The Family Four Pack will also be available for the regular season home finale on March 29th. They must be purchased no later than 24 hours in advance of the game. Despite a four-game losing streak, the Mariners “Magic Number” to clinch a playoff spot is eight. Over their last ten games, any combination of eight points gained and eight points not gained by the Adirondack Thunder will clinch Maine’s first-ever postseason berth. The Mariners are on the road in Worcester on Friday at 7:05, before the rematch at home on Saturday. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. All Saturday and Sunday home games also feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80, and must be purchased in advance. Scrubby – Spectrum Slugger – Sea Dogs Bruce the Moose – Sanford Mainers Read the full article

#AdirondackThunder #CrossInsuranceArena #MaineMariners #MichaelKeeley #WorcesterRailers

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS WEEKLY: RIGHTING THE SHIP

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME: Mar. 9, 2020 – Double up the nautical puns for Tuesday’s meeting between the Mariners and Norfolk Admirals, as Maine looks to shake off some recent struggles, both overall, and at home. After playing three straight home games against the top four teams in the Eastern Conference, the Mariners let a 2-0 lead slip away on Sunday afternoon against the Worcester Railers and fell in overtime. Despite the slump, the Mariners gained a key point in the playoff race, dropping their “Magic Number” down to ten points to clinch their first-ever playoff berth. For more information on how the Magic Number is calculated, check out some “Magic Number 101.” Three games are on the schedule this week. The Admirals are in town tomorrow and then a home and home with the Railers over the weekend. Eleven games remain in the regular season. The week that was Fri, Mar. 6th – REA: 2, MNE: 1 There was a playoff atmosphere in the Cross Insurance Arena as the Mariners wore throwback jerseys and took on a Reading Royals team that they could face in the postseason. The Royals held a 1-0 lead through two before Pascal Laberge gave them insurance in the third. Michael McNicholas gave the Mariners life with a late goal, but former Mariner goalie Tom McCollum was fantastic and made a clutch save on Conner Bleackley in the game’s closing seconds to seal the Reading victory. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Sun, Mar. 8th – WOR: 3, MNE: 2/OT The Mariners scored twice in the first period as Matt Nuttle got his first goal in a Maine uniform and Dillan Fox added a pretty power play goal in the final minute. Trailing 2-1 in the third, Worcester’s Tyler Poulsen tied the game on a breakaway and forced OT. Both teams had to kill a penalty in overtime, but Railers forward Drew Callin ended the game during 3 on 3 at the 4:27 mark. It was only Worcester’s second-ever win at the Cross Insurance Arena, in 13 trips. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Transactions (oldest to most recent) MAR 5 – FERRIS STATE DEFENSEMAN KALLEN SIGNS IN MAINE MAR 5 – MARINERS ACQUIRE DEFENSEMAN MCENENY AT DEADLINE This week’s schedule (all times Eastern) Tues, Mar. 10 vs. Norfolk Admirals – 7:00 PM (HOME) – PRESENTED BY CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS Fri, Mar. 13 @ Worcester Railers – 7:05 PM (AWAY) Sat, Mar. 14 vs. Worcester Railers – 6:00 PM (HOME) – BEACON’S BIRTHDAY BASH Tuesday is the final non-divisional game of the season as the Mariners take on Norfolk for the fourth time. The teams played a three-game series in Virginia in November, with the Admirals winning two of three. Then, it’s a home-and-home over the weekend with Worcester. The Mariners and Railers still have seven meetings (of the Mariners’ final 11 games). Worcester’s next loss (or Maine’s next win/point gained), will officially eliminate them from playoff contention. On Saturday, the Mariners celebrate Beacon’s second birthday with “Beacon’s Birthday Bash,” a celebration that will include several local mascots on hand. The first 1,000 kids in attendance ages 12 and under will get a Mariners' travel toothbrush. Family Four Packs are available when purchased in advance: four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies starting at $80. After Saturday, the final Family Four Pack game of the regular season is Sunday, March 29th. Doors open one hour prior to all Mariners home games, one hour and fifteen minutes for season ticket holders. Playoff Picture:

The Mariners “Magic Number” is calculated by the combination of points gained and points “not gained” by the first non-playoff team (Adirondack). For example, each Mariners win reduces the number by two, and each overtime or shootout loss reduces it by one. Conversely, each Adirondack regular loss reduces the number by two, and each Adirondack overtime or shootout loss reduces it by one. The top four teams in the division make the playoffs, with the top two getting “home-ice advantage” in the first round. More info on how the Magic Number works, can be found in THIS VIDEO. Looking ahead: The Mariners' final two home games are against Worcester on Friday, March 27th, and Sunday, March 29th. The 27th is Country Night, presented by 99.9 The Wolf, and includes ticket giveaways to upcoming country concerts. March 29th is Fan Appreciation Night presented by Redbank Village. The full promotional schedule can be found here. Community Collection: The Mariners and the Cross Insurance Arena are collecting books for the remainder of the regular season for Ronald McDonald Charities of Maine. Fans who donate three or more books will receive a ticket to a Mariners weekday game. Both children’s and adult’s book donations are welcomed. Items MUST be donated at the Promotions Port to the right of the main security gates. While donations will be accepted at the Mariners office and other Cross Insurance Arena events, fans are not eligible to receive tickets unless the items are donated at a Mariners game. Mariners Coach’s Show The Mariners Coach’s Show airs this Thursday, March 12th from 6-7 PM, hosted by Mariners broadcaster Michael Keeley, broadcasting live at Three Dollar Deweys at 241 Commercial Street in Portland and airs online at MarinersOfMaine.com/listen. A Mariners coach and player will each join the show and meet with fans. Four tickets to an upcoming Mariners game will also be given away at Three Dollar Deweys at the end of the show. Read the full article

#CrossInsuranceArena #DillanFox #MaineMariners #MichaelKeeley #MichaelMcNicholas #NorfolkAdmirals #ReadingRoyals #WorcesterRailers

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: FERRIS STATE DEFENSEMAN KALLEN SIGNS IN MAINE

Mariners add Bulldogs captain to the blue line BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – March 6, 2020 – The Mariners have signed defenseman Nathaniel Kallen to a standard player contract, the team officially announced on Friday. Kallen joins the Mariners from Ferris State University where he served as captain this season and has worn a letter since 2017. Kallen, 22, is from San Diego, CA and played AAA (Belle Tire) and USHL junior hockey (Muskegon Lumberjacks) in Michigan. He began his NCAA career at Ferris State in 2016, and was a staple in the Bulldogs lineup for all four of his collegiate seasons, playing at least 35 games in all four. As a junior in 2018-19, he put up 24 points (7 goals, 17 assists) in 36 games, finishing third on the team. This past season, his 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) was good for second on the club. Kallen was named to the Ferris State “All-Decade team” this past December, the only active member to earn the distinction. With 20 goals, Kallen led all Bulldog defensemen in goals between 2010-2020. In the 2017-18 season, Kallen also made the WCHA All-Academic team. The Mariners also acquired defenseman Austin McEneny from the Norfolk Admirals on Thursday, adding more depth to their blue line. The Mariners are home twice this weekend, playing Friday and Sunday at the Cross Insurance Arena. Tonight is “Throwback Night/80s Night,” presented by Partners Bank. The Mariners will wear vintage AHL Mariners jerseys with the orange, white, and black color scheme, which are up for auction via Handbid now, running until the end of the 3rd period on Friday. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday: $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Lights through the start of the 2nd period. Throwback Weekend continues on Sunday, March 8th with “I Love the 90s” against Worcester at 3 PM, also featuring a postgame full-team autograph session. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. All Saturday and Sunday home games also feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80, and must be purchased in advance. Read the full article

#AHL #CrossInsuranceArena #FerrisStateUniversity #MaineMariners #MichaelKeeley #NCAA #NorfolkAdmirals #USHL #WCHA

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS ACQUIRE DEFENSEMAN MCENENY AT DEADLINE

McEneny goes from Norfolk to Maine, completing Johnny Coughlin deal BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – March 5, 2020 – The Mariners added to their blue line with a move at Thursday’s ECHL trade deadline, acquiring defenseman Austin McEneny from the Norfolk Admirals. The deal completes a trade from October 16th, 2019, which sent defenseman Johnny Coughlin from the Mariners to the Admirals. McEneny, 22 years old, is a native of Waterdown, ON, near Hamilton. He’s in his second ECHL season, spending all of 2018-19 with the Brampton Beast. Last season in 45 games, McEneny scored three goals and added 11 assists. Through 35 contents with Norfolk this season, he’s matched those numbers identically. McEneny also brings playoff experience to the Mariners, appearing in all six postseason games for the Beast last season, while registering two assists. The 5’11, 174-pound blue-liner played in both the QMJHL and OHL prior to turning pro. In 2014-15, McEneny played for the Quebec Remparts and was a teammate of Mariners' forward Mikael Robidoux. He then joined Mariners defenseman Sean Day and the Windsor Spitfires in 2016-17 and won a Memorial Cup. McEneny spent the first half of 2017-18 in Windsor before being traded to the Kitchener Rangers in January 2018. The 2017-18 season was his best offensively, registering six goals and 24 assists in a total of 61 games between the two teams. In July of 2018, McEneny signed his first pro deal with the Brampton Beast. This past August, he was traded to the Orlando Solar Bears, only to be flipped to Norfolk in a three-team October deal. The Mariners are home twice this weekend, playing Friday and Sunday at the Cross Insurance Arena. Friday night is “Throwback Night/80s Night,” presented by Partners Bank. The Mariners will wear vintage AHL Mariners jerseys with the orange, white, and black color scheme, which are up for auction via Handbid now, running until the end of the 3rd period on Friday. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday: $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Lights through the start of the 2nd period. Throwback Weekend continues on Sunday, March 8th with “I Love the 90s” against Worcester at 3 PM, also featuring a postgame full-team autograph session. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. All Saturday and Sunday home games also feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80, and must be purchased in advance. Read the full article

#AHL #BramptonBeast #CrossInsuranceArena #ECHL #KitchenerRangers #MaineMariners #MichaelKeeley #NorfolkAdmirals #OHL #OrlandoSolarBears #QuebecRemparts #SeanDay #WindsorSpitfires

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: HAMPDEN’S MATTHEW ST. PIERRE NAMED BARNES AWARD WINNER

Mariners hosted award ceremony Sunday in honor of Berwick’s fallen fire captain BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – March 4, 2020 – Hampden Firefighter Lieutenant Matthew St. Pierre was named the recipient of the Captain Joel Barnes Community Service Award in a ceremony at the Cross Insurance Arena during the 2nd intermission of Sunday’s Mariners game against the South Carolina Stingrays. St. Pierre was selected out of three finalists, narrowed down from nominations submitted from all over the state of Maine, of local firefighters and first responders who carry on the legacy of a hero gone too soon. Sunday was the one year anniversary of the tragic death of Captain Joel Barnes of the Berwick Fire Department. Barnes, who was just 32 years old perished from injuries sustained while saving another firefighter’s life, while fighting a fire in Berwick on March 1st, 2019. “Winning this award is an incredible honor and a very humbling experience,” said St. Pierre. “Being chosen by a committee of Joel's peers and being told I embody his spirit by those closest to him is surreal. I will spend the rest of my days cherishing this award while continuing to honor and uphold the high standards that were the foundation of the person it is named after.” The Mariners, Teamsters Local 340 and the Berwick Firefighters Association came together to create the Captain Joel Barnes Community Service Award in October of 2019, accepting nominations through the Mariners website. Nominations were open to all active or recently retired fire and EMS responders in the state of Maine with three or more years of service, who “demonstrate outstanding professionalism and service to their community, and a commitment to promoting life safety education.” The three finalists were announced in February: St. Pierre (Hampden Fire Department), Kevin Leavitt (Richmond Fire Department), and David Petruccelli (Portland Fire Department). “The entire process of awarding Matthew with the first Joel Barnes Community Award has been rewarding,” said Mariners V.P. of Business Operations Adam Goldberg. “We have had the chance to meet so many great people that Joel touched and inspired. Hopefully, this type of recognition and remembrance will remind people not to take the first responders for granted. They put others’ safety ahead of their own every single day and I am glad that Joel will forever be remembered for that sacrifice.” Lieutenant Joe Carroll of the Westbrook Fire Department was part of the committee comprised of members from the Berwick Fire Department, Teamsters Local 340, the Cross Insurance Arena and the Mariners, which created the award, and ultimately chose the finalists and winner. “All of the candidates were very deserving of this award which made the process very challenging,” said Carroll. “In the end, the committee made a strong connection with the nomination of . His ongoing efforts and dedication to the community through public education and training made him a natural fit for the award and truly embodied that of Captain Barnes.” Over 3,600 turned out to see the Mariners fall in a highly entertaining game to the ECHL-leading Stingrays, 6-4 on Sunday afternoon. It was the largest Sunday crowd in Mariners franchise history. The Mariners are home twice this weekend, playing Friday and Sunday at the Cross Insurance Arena. Friday night is “Throwback Night/80s Night,” presented by Partners Bank. The Mariners will wear vintage AHL Mariners jerseys with the orange, white, and black color scheme, which are up for auction via Handbid now, running until the end of the 3rd period on Friday. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday: $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Lights through the start of the 2nd period. Throwback Weekend continues on Sunday, March 8th with “I Love the 90s” against Worcester at 3 PM, also featuring a postgame full-team autograph session. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. All Saturday and Sunday home games also feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80, and must be purchased in advance. Read the full article

#CHL #CrossInsuranceArena #ECHL #MaineMariners #MichaelKeeley #SouthCarolinaStingrays

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS WEEKLY: SEVENTEEN IS THE MAGIC NUMBER

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners Mar. 2, 2020 – From New Year’s Eve up through Mar. 1 (this past Sunday), the Mariners played 31 games, representing nearly half-the-total number of games of their schedule. The grind ended with a 6-4 loss to the ECHL’s top team, the South Carolina Stingrays on Sunday afternoon at the Cross Insurance Arena, but an overall successful two month period has put the Mariners in a prime spot to clinch their first playoff appearance in franchise history. The magic number sits at 17 points (any combination of Mariners points gained and Adirondack Thunder points left on the table), with 13 games to go. After a lot of time in the bus, plane, and hotels, the Mariners now remain in New England until Mar. 22, playing only at home or in Worcester for the next six games. The week that was Weds, Feb. 26 – MNE: 0, REA: 8 It was a scoreless game through one period, but things got ugly quickly in the 2nd period, with Reading scoring six goals in the first 12 minutes of the frame. Royals forward Max Willman, who had been reassigned from AHL Lehigh Valley the morning of the game, had five points to lead a relentless Royals attack. It was Maine’s fourth straight loss at Santander Arena with one trip remaining. FULL GAME RECAP Fri, Feb. 28 – MNE: 3, WHE: 2 In a homecoming of sorts for Riley Armstrong (who worked for the Wheeling Nailers for two seasons as an assistant coach), the Mariners battled back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits in the latter stages of the 2nd period to win the franchise’s first-ever trip to WesBanco Arena. Terrence Wallin scored twice, including a gift goal that was scored by the Nailers on their own net. Greg Chase netted the game-winner in the third and was recalled to Hartford the next day. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Sun, Mar. 1 – SC: 6, MNE: 4 Most of the scoring came in the 2nd period when each team scored three in what quickly became a see-saw affair. Steve Whitney, who had three points on the day, broke a 4-4 tie late in the 2nd for what would turn out to be the game-winner when the Mariners were held off the board in the third. Jeff Taylor had three assists for Maine, who got goals from Michael McNicholas, Terrence Wallin, Dillan Fox, and Andrew Sturtz. Each team went 2/3 on the power play. The Mariners fell to 2-4-0-0 against the South Division. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Transactions (oldest to most recent) MAR 1 - F GREG CHASE WAS RECALLED TO HARTFORD MAR 1 - F JAKE ELMER WAS REASSIGNED TO MAINE FROM HARTFORD BY THE NY RANGERS This week’s schedule (all times Eastern) Fri, Mar. 6 vs. Reading Royals – 7:15 PM (HOME) – THROWBACK NIGHT/80S NIGHT PRESENTED BY PARTNERS BANK Sun, Mar. 8 vs. Worcester Railers – 3:00 PM (HOME) – I LOVE THE 90S The Mariners welcome in the Reading Royals on Friday for the third and final time and the 8th of nine overall meetings during the 2019-20 regular season. The Royals are now seven points ahead of Maine for 2nd place in the North, with four games in hand, and have points in six of the seven meetings between the two teams this season. The Mariners will honor the 1980s and the original AHL Mariners franchise by wearing white and orange vintage jerseys of the old Philadelphia Flyers affiliation, which are up for auction now through the Handbid App or at THIS LINK until the start of the third period on Friday. Several Mariners alumni are expected to attend, including Wayne Schaab, Dan Lucas, Terry Murray, and Gary McAdam. Alumni will sign autographs on the concourse during the first intermission. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday featuring $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Light Drafts through the start of the 2nd period. On Sunday, the Worcester Railers visit the Cross Insurance Arena at 3 PM, with the teams still slated for eight meetings before the end of the season. The Railers sit in last place in the North Division and have an elimination number of just eight (points left on the table + points gained by the Brampton Beast). The Mariners have won all five games between the two teams at the Cross Insurance Arena so far this season and are 7-2-0-1 against the Railers overall. Sunday’s promotion is “I Love the 90s,” and Family Four Packs are available when purchased in advance: four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies starting at $80. Doors open one hour before all Mariners home games, one hour and fifteen minutes for season ticket holders. Playoff Picture:

The Mariners “Magic Number” is calculated by the combination of points gained and points “not gained” by the first non-playoff team (Adirondack). For example, each Mariners win reduces the number by two, and each overtime or shootout loss reduces it by one. Conversely, each Adirondack regular loss reduces the number by two, and each Adirondack overtime or shootout loss reduces it by one. The top four teams in the division make the playoffs, with the top two getting “home-ice advantage” in the first round. Adirondack travels to Newfoundland for the next three games, beginning Wednesday night. Looking ahead: The Mariners wrap up their homestand on Tuesday, Mar. 10, as they welcome in the Norfolk Admirals at 7 PM in the final non-divisional game of the season. Next weekend features a home-and-home with Worcester: at the DCU Center on Friday, and back at the Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday at 6 PM. Promotions feature “Girls Night Out” and Beacon’s Birthday Bash, with a travel toothbrush giveaway to the first 1,000 kids 12 and under. The full promotional schedule can be found here. Community Collection: The Mariners and the Cross Insurance Arena are collecting books for the remainder of the regular season for Ronald McDonald Charities of Maine. Fans who donate three or more books will receive a ticket to a Mariners weekday game. Both children’s and adult’s book donations are welcomed. Items MUST be donated at the Promotions Port to the right of the main security gates. While donations will be accepted at the Mariners office and other Cross Insurance Arena events, fans are not eligible to receive tickets unless the items are donated at a Mariners game. Read the full article

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mitchbeck · 4 years

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KEELEY: MARINERS FALL TO SOUTH CAROLINA IN SEE-SAW AFFAIR

Mariners can’t make a fifth comeback, fall at home to league’s best team BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – March 1, 2020 – The Mariners battled back from four one-goal deficits but never led, and ultimately fell 6-4 to the South Carolina Stingrays on Sunday afternoon at the Cross Insurance Arena. Steve Whitney scored two goals plus an assist for South Carolina while Jeff Taylor facilitated the Mariners offense with three assists. The first three goals of the game came in the final five minutes of the first period. Whitney ripped a wrister past the glove of Connor LaCouvee at 15:04 to make it 1-0 Stingrays. Michael McNicholas tied the game at 17:24 with a nice shot inside the post, but the Stingrays took the momentum back quickly with a Tim Harrison shorthanded goal at 19:14, finishing a net drive from Andrew Cherniwchan. It was 2-1 ‘Rays after one period. The second period was rather chaotic, as each team scored three times. Terrence Wallin tipped a power play shot from Alex Kile past Parker Milner just 21 seconds into the frame to tie the game at two. Alec Marsh put the Stingrays back ahead at 3:05, only to be answered by a Dillan Fox power play tally at 8:32. Kile’s drive once again made the play, with Jeff Taylor picking up an assist on each of Maine’s first three goals. The Stingrays got a power play goal of their own at 10:52 from Matthew Weis, which was answered 21 seconds later when Andrew Sturtz backhanded a rebound from a McNicholas shot under Milner’s stick. Whitney would score his second goal of the game off a broken zone entry at 16:21 to restore the South Carolina lead heading to the third. The lone goal of the third came from Cherniwchan on the power play at 8:54 to bring the game to a 6-4 final. Milner earned his 20th win with 26 stops. LaCouvee stopped 25 in the loss. Due to the Reading Royals’ win at Worcester, the Mariners fell seven points out of 2nd place, but remain four ahead of the idle Brampton Beast for third and still ten up on Adirondack for a playoff spot, with a “magic number” of 17 points. The winner of the Captain Joel Barnes Community Service Award, announced during the second intermission, was Matthew St. Pierre of the Hampden Fire Department. Today marks the one year anniversary of the tragic passing of the Berwick fire captain. The Mariners host Reading on Friday, March 6th for “80s Night/Throwback Night,” presented by Partner’s Bank. The Mariners will wear vintage AHL Mariners jerseys with the orange, white, and black color scheme, which will go on auction via Handbid, starting March 2nd and running until the end of the 3rd period on Friday. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday: $1 Aquafina, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Lights through the start of the 2nd period. Throwback Weekend continues on Sunday, March 8th with “I Love the 90s” against Worcester at 3 PM, also featuring a postgame full-team autograph session. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets to all games by calling 833-GO-MAINE. Individual tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling 207-775-3458. All Saturday and Sunday home games feature the Family Four Pack – four tickets, four food and drink vouchers, and four Mariners beverage koozies, starting at $80, and must be purchased in advance of game day. Read the full article

#AHL #AlexKile #BramptonBeast #ConnorLaCouvee #CrossInsuranceArena #DillanFox #MaineMariners #MichaelKeeley #MichaelMcNicholas #ParkerMilner #ReadingRoyals #SouthCarolinaStingrays #TerrenceWallin #WCHA

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