READING, PA – January 9, 2026 – The Maine Mariners, proud affiliates of the NHL's Boston Bruins and AHL's Providence Bruins, rallied from a two-goal deficit in the third period for a 4-3 overtime win over the Reading Royals on Friday night at Santander Arena. Brooklyn Kalmikov netted the game-winner at 1:38 of overtime, breaking a 12-game goal-less drought.
Despite outshooting the Royals 17-9 in the opening period, the Mariners found themselves down 3-1 at the end of 20 minutes. Carson Golder's deflection goal just 1:27 into the game set the tone for a frustrating first 40 minutes. Jacob Perreault briefly tied the game, scooping up a rebound onto his backhand at 7:31, but that was answered by Royals defenseman Artem Kulakov less than a minute later. Cam Cook's goal at 15:06 had Maine trailing by two after 20.
The score remained 3-1 Royals through two periods, and Maine began its comeback midway through the third. Antonio Venuto, just acquired in a trade from Kalamazoo on Wednesday, got alone in front and beat a scrambling Keith Petruzzelli at 8:23 to pull the Mariners within a goal. Venuto had a goal and an assist in his Maine debut. Robert Cronin found the equalizer at 14:17, after Jaxon Bellamy's shot from the left circle produced a rebound in the slot.
Cronin would set up Kalmikov's winner in overtime, winning a battle behind the Reading net, and centering a pass to the Mariners second-year All-Star to complete the comeback. It was Maine's first sudden death OT victory of the season, and snapped a five-game skid in extra-time. Maine outshot Reading 46-29 in the game as Luke Cavallin made 26 saves for his 11th win of the season.
The Mariners (13-10-4-1) play two more games in Reading this weekend: Saturday night at 7 PM and Sunday afternoon at 3 PM. They return to Cross Insurance Arena next weekend for games on Friday, January 16th and Saturday, January 17th against the Worcester Railers. Friday is a 7:15 PM faceoff and is "Hockey Fights Cancer Night," featuring auctions for the Maine Children's Cancer program. Saturday is the second and final "Pirates Night," presented by Camden National Bank, as the Mariners once again honor their predecessors for a 6 PM puck drop.
Tickets are available at MarinersOfMaine.com or at the Hammond Lumber Company Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena. Ticket packages and group discounts are also available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, filling out an inquiry form at MarinersOfMaine.com, or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free Street in Portland.
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