READING, PA – March 30, 2025 – Brad Arvanitis made 36 stops while Chase Zieky netted the shootout winner as the Maine Mariners edged the Reading Royals 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Santander Arena. After losing the series opener, the Mariners picked up back-to-back wins to close their road trip.
For the sixth game in a row, the Mariners were able to strike first, Lynden McCallum netting his 24th goal of the season at 9:19 of the opening period. After Alex DiPaolo and Jacob Hudson fired shots at Vinnie Purpura, McCallum found the loose puck in the crease and slid one by Vinnie Purpura for the only goal of the opening 20. On the goal, DiPaolo collected his first professional point.
Late in the 2nd period, Michael Underwood was assessed a major cross-checking penalty and game misconduct, leaving the Mariners with just four defenseman for the third period, and facing a three-minute penalty kill.
It remained 1-0 Maine until the 12:28 mark of the third when Reading defenseman Gianfranco Cassaro finally solved Brad Arvanitis with a one-timer from the right point. The 1-1 game advanced through regulation and seven minutes of overtime.
In the shootout, Reading's Shane Sellar scored in the first round, giving the Royals the advantage, until Brooklyn Kalmikov tied it up in the second round with a backhander under the cross bar. In round four, Chase Zieky gave the Mariners the lead and Arvanitis stopped Matt Brown to clinch the win.
The Mariners gained ground on both Reading and Worcester in the race for the fourth and final North Division playoff spot, trailing the Royals by nine points and Railers by ten with seven games remaining.
The Mariners (28-33-4) return home to host the Trois-Rivieres Lions for four consecutive games beginning Wednesday night at 7 PM. Friday's 7:15 PM puck drop is Renaissance Night and "Let's Talk About It" presented by News Center Maine, featuring the final specialty jerseys of the season to benefit the Opportunity Alliance. Saturday is "Take a Hike Night" presented by L.L. Bean, at 6 PM. Single game tickets are available at MarinersOfMaine.com or at the Hammond Lumber Company Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena. For more information on group discounts or 2025-26 season ticket packages, fans can call 833-GO-MAINE, go to MarinersOfMaine.com, or visit the Mariners front office at 94 Free Street in Portland.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers