#bradyvail

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners Feb. 11, 2019 – While Friday and Saturday turned out to be games to forget, the Maine Mariners (23-24-0-1) bounced back on Sunday with a much needed 4-1 win, bringing their homestand to 2-2-0-0 heading into its conclusion on Wednesday night against Worcester. A five-game road trip begins on Friday and signals a stretch of eight of the nine away from Portland, which will take the Mariners into the month of March, and the true home stretch of the season. Sitting on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, the Mariners could use a return to their November and December form to make a push to the postseason. The week that was Friday, Feb. 8th – CIN: 8, MNE: 1 The Western Conference-leading Cincinnati Cyclones came into the Cross Insurance Arena and showed why they possess the second best record in the ECHL, dropping a seven-spot on the Mariners in just the first period. Former Mariner Brady Vail netted a hat trick, while Pascal Aquin finished the night with five points – a goal and four assists. Of the eight goals scored, five came against Connor LaCouvee and three on Ed Minney. Greg Chase scored the only Maine goal, on the power play. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Saturday, Feb. 9th – GRN: 8, MNE: 2 While Greenville didn’t carry the same clout into Portland as Cincinnati before them, they too put on an offensive display – using the second period as their anchor, with six goals. The Swamp Rabbits built a 4-0 lead early in the 2nd before Jason Salvaggio and Dillan Fox showed signs of a potential comeback. Sloppy defensive play and another shaky performance from LaCouvee was the story the rest of the way. Hannu Toivonen made a relief appearance and allowed two of the eight. Chris Izmirlian scored four goals for Greenville, who would go on to put up 7 on Sunday in Manchester. FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Sunday, Feb. 10th – WHE: 1, MNE: 4 Head Coach Riley Armstrong faced his former team for the first time after serving as an assistant in Wheeling the previous two seasons. In desperate need of a win, the Mariners started with a 16-7 shot advantage in the first and grabbed a 2-0 lead in the 2nd thanks to a 5-on-3 goal by Terrence Wallin and an even-strength tally by Greg Chase. LaCouvee stood tall and shut the Nailers down until midway through the third when Wheeling got a power play goal from Michael Phillips. Wallin scored his second goal of the day late in the third and Drew Melanson added an empty netter to seal it. LaCouvee stopped 34 of 35 shots.  FULL GAME RECAP & HIGHLIGHTS Transactions -G BRANDON HALVERSON WAS RECALLED TO AHL HARTFORD -G CONNOR LACOUVEE SIGNED A TWO-WAY AHL CONTRACT WITH LAVAL AND WAS ASSIGNED TO MAINE -F MORGAN ADAMS-MOISAN WAS RECALLED TO AHL LAVAL Coming up (all times Eastern) Weds, Feb. 13th vs. Worcester Railers – 7:00 PM (HOME) Fri, Feb. 15th @ Norfolk Admirals – 7:00 PM (AWAY) Sat, Feb. 16th @ Norfolk Admirals – 7:00 PM (AWAY) The Mariners resume divisional play on Wednesday night with Worcester in town at 7:00 PM. Maine has won six of the first nine meetings with the Railers this season and currently trail them by two points in the North Division standings. The road trip begins in Norfolk on Friday as the Mariners meet the Admirals for a weekend series in Virginia. Norfolk currently sits sixth out of seven teams in the South Division and will visit Portland for one game on March 6th. The Mariners will swing back up through Reading, Glens Falls, and Manchester next week on their way back home. Coach’s Show: The Mariners Coach’s Show airs on Tuesday from Noon to 1:00 PM on MarinersOfMaine.com/listen via Mixlr. This week’s guests included Riley Armstrong and Connor LaCouvee. Fans who submit questions through Mixlr will be entered to win a pair of tickets to Wednesday’s game. All previous Coach’s Shows and game broadcasts are archived here: http://mixlr.com/mainemariners/showreel/. Looking ahead: On Sunday, February 24th, following the 3:00 PM game against the Worcester Railers, the entire team will be on hand to sign autographs for fans of all ages in the concourse. Fun Facts/Notes: -Greg Chase has scored a goal in four of his last five games -With his goal Sunday, Drew Melanson became the fifth Mariner this season to reach a double-figure goal total (Kile, Adams-Moisan, Chase, McNicholas). Jason Salvaggio and Ty Ronning each have nine goals -The Mariners are now 3-1-0-0 on Sundays at home, with six Sunday home dates remaining Read the full article

Seven-spot in the first period by Cincinnati decides game early BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – February 8, 2019 – Seven first period goals by the Cincinnati Cyclones made for an early decision on Friday night at the Cross Insurance Arena as the Maine Mariners dropped their first of a three-game home weekend series by a final score of 8-1 to the Western Conference leaders. The night got off to an uncomfortable start right away when Connor LaCouvee’s equipment issue forced Ed Minney into an unexpected start. An early power play goal by Brady Vail followed by a Judd Peterson even-strength tally gave the Cyclones a 2-0 lead in the first 2:50 of the game. The Mariners then were awarded a four-minute power play on a double minor for high sticking but surrendered a shorthanded breakaway goal to Myles Powell. After Vail scored again at 7:29 to make it 4-0, the Mariners called their timeout. The game settled down for the next 10 minutes, but Cincinnati ratcheted it up again in the final 2:15 with three more goals from DeVante Stephens, Vail’s hat trick goal, and a capper from Ben Johnson. Minney played the final 40 minutes in goal for the Mariners, stopping a total of 17/19 in the game, but being saddled with the loss. The Mariners got in the board early in the 2nd when Drew Melanson set up Greg Chase on the power play. Chase has scored a goal in three consecutive games. Jon Jutzi had a goal waived off late in the third before Pascal Aquin finished a five-point game (1 goal, 4 assists) at 19:39 to bring the game to its 8-1 final score. Ben Johnson had a four-point night as well with a goal and three assists. The winning netminder was Jonas Johansson, who stopped 26 of 28. The Mariners continue their homestand with EqualityMaine Pride night on Saturday against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at 6:00 PM. The night will include a t-shirt giveaway to the first 2,000 fans. Family four packs are available through midnight at MarinersOfMaine.com. A matinee follows on Sunday is matinee against the Wheeling Nailers at 3:00 PM, featuring a postgame skate with the team, sponsored by Redbank Village. Fans must bring their own skates and those under the age of 18 will need a helmet. Any fans who attend all three games this weekend and check in at the Promotions Port are eligible to win a Mariners prize pack. General admission tickets can be purchased at MarinersofMaine.com or by visiting or calling the Trusted Choice Box Office: 207-775-3458. Read the full article

Leone flipped to South Carolina in the final roster move BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – October 11, 2018 – The Maine Mariners opening night roster is set. After a last minute trade with the South Carolina Stingrays, a group of 23 players (21 active and two on reserve) will make up the inaugural Mariners roster heading into Saturday’s season opener at the Cross Insurance Arena against Adirondack. The Mariners acquired forward Luke Stork from South Carolina in exchange for defenseman Chris Leone to complete the roster. Leone had just been traded from Cincinnati to Maine on Wednesday with forward Brady Vail going to the Cyclones. Stork (6’0, 174 lbs), is a 23-year-old rookie from Pittsburgh, PA who played four seasons at Ohio State University. He was an alternate captain last season in his senior year. The roster shakes out this way: Forwards (12): Morgan Adams-Moisan, Riley Bourbonnais, Ryan Ferrill, Alex Kile, Dawson Leedahl, Mike Marnell, Drew Melanson, Jason Salvaggio, Luke Stork, Dwyer Tschantz, Antoine Waked, Terrence Wallin (A) Defensemen (6): Garrett Cecere, Ryan Culkin, John Furgele, Brycen Martin, Scott Savage (A), Zach Tolkinen (C) Goaltenders (3): Brandon Halverson, Connor LaCouvee, Chris Nell Reserve (2): D Alex Adams, D Derek Pratt ECHL teams can carry 21 players on the active roster through the first 30 days of the regular season, after which the limit drops to 20. The Mariners, proud affiliate of the New York Rangers, will begin the regular season at Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday night against the Adirondack Thunder at 6:00 PM. The Mariners are members of the ECHL: the premier AA hockey league in the United States. Single game tickets are on sale now at MarinersOfMaine.com or by calling the Trusted Choice Box office at 207-775-3458. Fans interested in season tickets, groups, five-game plans, or flex packs can call 833-GO-MAINE. Read the full article

Mariners add to the blueline in a trade with Cincinnati BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – October 9, 2018 – The Maine Mariners and Cincinnati Cyclones have completed their second trade in three weeks, announcing a deal today that sends defenseman Chris Leone to Maine in exchange for forward Brady Vail. Leone, a 26-year-old blueliner from Dearborn Heights, MI has prior experience with four ECHL teams – Greenville, Toledo, Manchester, and Cincinnati. He appeared in a career-high 68 regular season games last season, scoring five goals while adding 16 assists. His 2016-17 season was split between four organizations (two ECHL and two SPHL), but the bulk of the time came with the Toledo Walleye, where he played 28 games – scoring two goals and adding eight assists. Leone (5’11, 198 lbs), played his NCAA hockey in his home state for Adrian College, where he was a steady point producer on the Bulldogs’ blue line. In his senior season of 2015-16, Leone posted 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 29 games. The Mariners signed Brady Vail in early July after the forward spent last season between Norfolk and Atlanta. He’s a 24-year-old native of Hendersonville, NC. The trade marks the second recent deal between Maine and Cincinnati, as the Mariners shipped defenseman Mitch Jones to the Cyclones on September 27th in exchange for future considerations. The Mariners, proud affiliate of the New York Rangers, will begin the regular season at Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday night against the Adirondack Thunder at 6:00 PM. The Mariners are members of the ECHL: the premier AA hockey league in the United States. Single game tickets are on sale now at www.MarinersOfMaine.com or by calling the Trusted Choice Box office at 207-775-3458. Fans interested in season tickets, groups, five-game plans, or flex packs can call 833-GO-MAINE. Read the full article

BY: Bob Crawford, Hartford Wolf Pack The Wolf Pack’s 22nd season of AHL play begins this Friday, October 5, as the Pack host the Providence Bruins in a 7:15 PM game at the XL Center.  In their one preseason tuneup for the 2018-19 campaign, Saturday afternoon at Trinity College, the Wolf Pack doubled up the Bridgeport Sound Tigers by a score of 2-1.  Shawn St. Amant scored both Wolf Pack goals, and Brandon Halverson made 21 saves in the Hartford net. This week: The Wolf Pack kick off their new season with a pair of home games this weekend, with the home opener set for this Friday night, October 5 vs. the arch-rival Providence Bruins.  Faceoff is 7:15 PM.  Then, this Sunday afternoon, October 7, the Wolf Pack welcome the Laval Rocket to the XL Center for a 3:00 game. Friday, October 5 vs. the Providence Bruins (Boston) at the XL Center, 7:15 PM Free Wolf Pack magnetic schedules will be given away to the first 3,000 fans at this game, courtesy of Pepsi. The Wolf Pack’s popular Friday-night food and beverage discount is back, for this and all Wolf Pack Friday-night home games, presented by Nomads Adventure Quest.  Once again this season, fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, and $2 draft beers and fountain sodas, at every Friday Wolf Pack home game, through the start of the second period. At this and every Wolf Pack home game, fans are encouraged to come early for “Hockey Happy Hour” in the Comcast Coliseum Club.  Enjoy $2 beers and $5 appetizers from 5:15 PM until puck drop. This is the first of ten meetings on the year between the Wolf Pack and their Atlantic Division rivals the Bruins, and the first of five XL Center visits by the Providence squad.  In action against the Bruins in 2017-18, the Wolf Pack went 4-4-1-1 in ten clashes, including a 3-2-0-0 home mark. Providence finished fourth in the Atlantic Division in 2017-18, with a 45-26-3-2 record for 95 points.  Head Coach Jay Leach’s P-Bruins then fell to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, in four games, in the first round of the postseason. The Bruins’ leading returning scorer is an eighth-year pro, Jordan Szwarz, who had 21-27-48, and was +30, in 52 AHL games in 2017-18. Tickets for this and all 2018-19 Wolf Pack home games are on sale now at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, online at hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499.  Tickets purchased in advance for kids 12 or younger start at just $13 each, and all tickets will have a $3 day-of-game increase. Broadcast – live with Bob Crawford and Mark Bailey on News Radio 1410 WPOP, online at iheart.com and on iHeartRadio.  Video streaming at ahllive.com.  Sunday, October 7 vs. the Laval Rocket (Montreal) at the XL Center, 3:00 PM At this and every Wolf Pack Sunday home game of the season, fans can take advantage of the Wolf Pack’s “Click It or Ticket Family Value Pack”.  The Family Value Pack includes two tickets, two sodas, and two hot dogs, all for just $40. This is the second year of existence for the Rocket franchise as the top affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens.  Laval won both Rocket-Wolf Pack matchups last season, including a 3-2 overtime verdict November 12 in their only previous visit to Hartford. The Rocket’s new head coach this year is former Wolf Pack and New York Ranger defenseman Joel Bouchard, who has replaced Sylvain Lefebvre, also an ex-Wolf Pack and Ranger blueliner, after Lefebvre served six seasons as bench boss of Montreal’s AHL affiliate. The Rocket finished 24-42-7-3, for 58 points, in their inaugural season a year ago.  That placed them seventh in the North Division. At this and every Wolf Pack home game, fans are encouraged to come early for “Hockey Happy Hour” in the Comcast Coliseum Club.  Enjoy $2 beers and $5 appetizers from 1:00 PM until puck drop. Tickets for this and all 2018-19 Wolf Pack home games are on sale now at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, online at hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499.  Tickets purchased in advance for kids 12 or younger start at just $13 each, and all tickets will have a $3 day-of-game increase. Broadcast – live with Bob Crawford and Mark Bailey on News Radio 1410 WPOP, online at iheart.com and on iHeartRadio.  Video streaming at ahllive.com. Recent Transactions: Shawn O’Donnell – signed to AHL contract by Wolf Pack September 26. Gabriel Fontaine – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 27. Tim Gettinger – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 27. John Gilmour – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 27. Ryan Gropp – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 27. Lias Andersson – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Chris Bigras – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Steven Fogarty – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Libor Hajek – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Peter Holland – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Ryan Lindgren – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Michael Lindqvist – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Marek Mazanec – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Ville Meskanen – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Rob O’Gara – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Cole Schneider – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Dustin Tokarski – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 28. Riley Bourbonnais – released by Wolf Pack from Professional Tryout (PTO) agreement September 30. Brandon Crawley – loaned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers September 30. Brendan Halverson – reassigned by the New York Rangers from the Wolf Pack to Maine (ECHL) September 30. Alex Kile – released by Wolf Pack from Professional Tryout (PTO) agreement September 30. Connor LaCouvee – released by Wolf Pack from Amateur Tryout (ATO) agreement September 30. Mike Marnell – released by Wolf Pack from Amateur Tryout (ATO) agreement September 30. Drew Melanson – loaned by the Wolf Pack to Maine (ECHL) September 30. Chris Nell – reassigned by the New York Rangers from the Wolf Pack to Maine (ECHL) September 30. Derek Pratt – released by Wolf Pack from Professional Tryout (PTO) agreement on September 30. Jason Salvaggio – loaned by the Wolf Pack to Maine (ECHL) September 30. Scott Savage – released by Wolf Pack from Professional Tryout (PTO) agreement September 30. Brady Vail – released by Wolf Pack from Professional Tryout (PTO) agreement September 30. Dawson Leedahl – reassigned by the NY Rangers from the Wolf Pack to Maine (ECHL) October 1. Shawn St. Amant – signed to AHL contract by Wolf Pack October 1. Pack Tracks: Saturday, October 27, when the Wolf Pack host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in a 7:30 PM game at the XL Center, is “Harry Potter Night” and also features the Wolf Pack’s Halloween celebration.  The Wolf Pack will be calling all muggles to rep their houses, and kids can enjoy trick or treating on the arena concourse and take part in an intermission costume parade.  Plus, the first 2,000 fans into the game that night will take home a free Wolf Pack coffee mug, presented by ESPN 97.9. Once again this season, fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, and $2 draft beers and fountain sodas, at every Friday Wolf Pack home game, through the start of the second period, presented by Nomads Adventure Quest.  The Wolf Pack are right back on home ice next Friday, October 12, entertaining the Providence Bruins in a 7:15 PM game. Each of the Wolf Pack’s Sunday and Wednesday home games will feature the Wolf Pack’s “Click It or Ticket Family Value Pack”.  The Family Value Pack includes two tickets, two sodas, and two hot dogs, all for just $40.  After this Sunday, the next Family Value Pack game is Wednesday, October 24, when the Lehigh Valley Phantoms visit for a 7:00 PM tilt. Every Wolf Pack Wednesday home game is a “Winning Wednesday”.  If the Wolf Pack win at home on a Wednesday, fans can show their Winning Wednesday ticket at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center and receive a free ticket to the next Wolf Pack home game (some restrictions apply).  The Wolf Pack’s first Wednesday home outing of the season is October 24, a 7:00 PM game vs. the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Wolf Pack home game tickets can be purchased at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, online at hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499.  Tickets purchased in advance for kids 12 or younger start at just $13 each, and all tickets will have a $3 day-of-game increase. To speak with a Wolf Pack representative about season or group tickets, or any of the Wolf Pack’s many ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451, or click here to request more info. TRACK THE PACK ON-LINE AT HARTFORDWOLFPACK.COM   Read the full article

Competitive camp featuring 29 players kicks off Tuesday BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, ME – September 30, 2018 – With 21 spots available on the active roster to start the regular season, a group of 29 players will compete to fill them in the Maine Mariners inaugural training camp, starting Tuesday at William B. Troubh Ice Arena. The roster is as follows: FORWARDS (17): Ryan Badger Riley Bourbonnais Ryan Ferrill Trevor Fleurent Tim Kielich Alex Kile Tyler Maltby Mike Marnell Drew Melanson Ken Neil Jason Salvaggio Evan Schultz Jesse Schwartz Dwyer Tschantz Brady Vail Austin Vieth Terrence Wallin DEFENSEMEN (8): Alex Adams John Furgele Troy Henley Lane King (F/D) Brycen Martin Derek Pratt Scott Savage Zach Tolkinen GOALTENDERS (4): Brian Billett Brandon Halverson Connor LaCouvee Chris Nell The roster is made up primarily of players under contract with the Mariners and their two affiliates, the NHL’s New York Rangers and AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. Brycen Martin is under contract with the Buffalo Sabres. ECHL teams can carry 21 players on their active roster for the first 30 days of the regular season before the number decreases to 20. The first four days of training camp are open to the public, beginning at 10:30 AM at William B. Troubh Arena Tuesday, October 2nd through Friday, October 5th. The Mariners will play two preseason games next Saturday, October 6th (7:00 PM vs. Worcester) and Sunday, October 7th (4:35 PM @ Manchester), both in Exeter, New Hampshire at the Rinks at Exeter. Admission to both games is free. A radio broadcast will also be available for each game on MarinersOfMaine.com. The Mariners, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers, will start regular season play in their inaugural season October 13th at the Cross Insurance Arena against the Adirondack Thunder at 6:00 PM. The ECHL is the premier AA hockey league in the United States. Individual game tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, by visiting the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling them at (207) 775-3458. For information on season tickets, flex plans, 5-game packs, and group tickets, call 833-GO-MAINE. Read the full article

The Wolf Pack will open training camp with a roster of 17 players, 10 forwards, four defensemen and three goaltenders: Goal (3):           Connor LaCouvee, Brandon Halverson, Chris Nell Defense (4):     Sean Day, Vince Pedrie, Derek Pratt, Scott Savage Forwards (10):      Riley Bourbonnais, Alex Kile, Dawson Leedahl, Mike Marnell, Drew Melanson, Shawn O’Donnell, Ty Ronning, Shawn St. Amant, Jason Salvaggio, Brady Vail The Wolf Pack kick off their 2018-19 regular season Friday, October 5, with their home-ice opener vs. the Providence Bruins.  Faceoff is 7:15 PM, and tickets for that game, and all 2018-19 Wolf Pack home games are on sale now at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, online at hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499.  Tickets purchased in advance for kids 12 or younger start at just $13 each, and all tickets will have a $3 day-of-game increase. Season ticket information for the Wolf Pack’s 2018-19 AHL season can be found online at hartfordwolfpack.com.  To speak with a representative about all of the Wolf Pack’s many attractive ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451, or click here to request more info. Read the full article

Vail, Bourbonnais and Marnell add depth to roster BY: Natalie Tobey, Maine Mariners Portland, ME – July 6, 2018 – Additions to the Maine Mariners growing roster bring the total of nine players signed to contracts for the inaugural season. Brady Vail (6-0/194), Riley Bourbonnais (5-11/194) and Mike Marnell (5-10/181) bring a mix of skill and scoring prowess to Maine. Vail, from Hendersonville, North Carolina, comes to the Mariners after ending the 2017-18 season with the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL. An experienced forward, Vail has 41 AHL games under his belt and 208 ECHL games with 59 goals and 88 assists for 147 points. “Vail is a top end forward in the ECHL and we are looking for him to carry the load offensively,” said Coach Armstrong. “He plays a skilled game but also brings an in your face style as well, which will fit in perfect with our team.” Bourbonnais, a forward from Rochester, NY is the second player to follow Coach Armstrong from Wheeling to the Mariners. Following a successful NCAA career with RPI where he wore the “C” his senior year, Bourbonnais joined the Wheeling Nailers for the remainder of the 2016-17 season and the entirety of the 2017-18 season which saw him play in 67 games for 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points. “I had Riley in Wheeling last season where he is coming off of an AHL two way contract,” said Armstrong. “He put together four solid years at RPI before having a very impressive rookie season in Wheeling. Riley will be key piece to the puzzle that we are building right now.” Marnell, a forward from South Huntington, New York, will make his professional debut for the Mariners following four seasons at St. Lawrence University. Seeing NCAA action in 115 games for 45 goals and 34 assists for 79 points is something Armstrong hopes will translate to the Mariners. “Mike put together four good years at college and we are hoping his scoring touch will translate into the professional game,” said Armstrong. “The way the game is changing we feel Mike will fit into our plans and continue and grow as a player.” The Mariners, proud affiliate of the New York Rangers, will continue to add to the roster throughout the summer before dropping the puck October 13, 2018 in the inaugural season as members of the ECHL. The ECHL is the premier AA hockey league in the United States. Season tickets for the Mariners inaugural season are on sale now by visiting marinersofmaine.com or call toll free 833-GO-MAINE. Read the full article