The Maine Mariners had a busy day. They released two players, announced a trade, and acquired a player from Providence. They continue preparing their season-opening roster before the league’s 3 p.m. EST deadline on Wednesday.
Players Released
Goaltender Dante Giannuzzi and Austin Master were both released today. Giannuzzi, 22, signed with Maine this off-season and stopped 12 of the 13 shots he faced in Saturday’s 4-0 preseason loss to the Worcester Railers. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise as now with Jeremy Swayman locked in with the Bruins, both the Providence Bruins and Maine Mariners will be well stocked with goaltenders to start the season as Ryan Bichel and Nolan Maier will likely both start the season in Maine and Brad Arvantis will serve as the third goaltender. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native spent his rookie season in the ECHL with the Utah Grizzlies, where he went 13-16 with a 3.63 GAA, .891SV%, and one shutout in 31 appearances.
Master, 26, was the only PTO coming into Training Camp for the Mainers after putting up two goals and seven assists for nine points in 40 games with the Reading Royals. He played in Friday night’s preseason game with the Mariners. The Broomall, PA native spent four years at Stevenson University, including his last year as Captain. Over the course of his four seasons at the NCAA level, he put up 30 goals and 57 assists for 87 points in 74 games.
Millman Sent To Maine
The Maine Mariners got more help on the blueline from the Providence Bruins, as Mason Millman was sent down to the Mariners today. The former fourth-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers spent the first four seasons of his pro career in the Flyer’s System, where he put up 23 goals and 73 assists for 96 points in 143 games with the Reading Royals, along with two goals and eight assists for 10 points in 24 Kelly Cup Playoff Games and would put up eight assists in 41 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Prior to going pro, the London, Ontario native spent parts of three seasons in the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit, where he scored 16 goals and added 53 assists for 69 points in 130 games and had two goals and three assists for five points in 13 OHL playoff games.
Trade With Savannah
The Maine Mariners also made a trade with the Savannah Ghost Pirates as they acquired defenseman Michael Underwood in exchange for future considerations. Underwood had an assist in Saturday’s preseason game vs Jacksonville Icemen. He spent three games with the Utah Grizzlies last season. Prior to going pro, the 26-year-old defenseman spent five seasons at the NCAA level, including four years at Clarkson University, before spending his final year of eligibility at Michigan State University. During his NCAA career, he scored six goals and added 17 assists for 23 points in 167 games.
