MARINERS WEEKLY: WINNING 3KEND

Jan. 6, 2020 – With 31 games played, the Mariners are tied for the fewest in the ECHL as they enter the swing of 2020. They won’t hold that distinction for much longer, with a January schedule that will have them playing virtually a game every other day. A start of an eight game in ten day stretch begins this weekend with the first “3kend” of the season – three in three – all at home. The Mariners have alternated win/loss in their last five games, keeping them in a steady 4th/5th place swap with Adirondack, but holding seven games in hand and four games in the win column on the Thunder, who is one of their three opponents this week. The “Winning 3kend” will give Mariners fans opportunities to win prizes and experiences all weekend long at the Cross Insurance Arena.

The week that was

Tuesday, Dec. 31st – MNE: 3, REA: 5

On the final day of 2019, the Mariners skated into Reading and grabbed a 1-0 lead when Taylor Cammarata netted a power play goal in the opening period. The Royals scored twice in the late stages of the first to take a 2-1 lead and built it to 3-1 before Ted Hart closed the gap midway through the second. The turning point came when the Mariners failed to score with a 5-on-3 and Reading’s Steven Swavely scored straight out of the penalty box. Newly signed forward Eddie Matsushima got his first ECHL goal in his Maine debut.

Friday, Jan. 3rd – JAX: 3, MNE: 5

Terrence Wallin’s hat trick fueled the Mariners to a weekend-opening win in their first ever meeting with the Jacksonville Icemen. Wallin first goal gave the Mariners the 1-0 lead, and he later tied the game at two in the 2nd. He finished his first professional three goal game to give the Mariners the lead in the third before Ty Ronning’s insurance tally moments later. Connor LaCouvee earned his tenth win of the season between the pipes.

Saturday, Jan. 4th – JAX: 3, MNE: 2

Jacksonville took leads of 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2, holding onto the third one when Alexis D’Aoust’s third period power play goal broke the 2-2 tie early in the 3rd. Defensemen Zach Tolkinen (PPG) and Brandon Crawley scored the Mariners goals – Crawley’s was his first as a Mariner.