The Maine Mariners kicked off a three-day home-game weekend at the Cross Insurance Arena, featuring a series against the Worcester Railers and a single game against the Trois-Rivières Lions.
The weekend began with some changes as the Mariners named Wyllum Deveaux as their third captain in franchise history, following Zach Tolkinen (2018-20) and Connor Doherty (2021-24).
The 24-year-old forward from Nova Scotia joined the Mariners before the 2023-24 season as an underdog to make the team out of training camp. However, he earned a spot on the roster and quickly became a key part of the lineup, playing in 46 games and totaling 24 points during his rookie campaign. In the 2024 playoffs against Adirondack, Deveaux also made his AHL debut when he was loaned to the Providence Bruins.
This season, Deveaux has played in 30 games for the Mariners, scoring six goals and adding four assists. He also scored the overtime winner on New Year’s Eve in a 4-3 victory over Trois-Rivières.
Deveaux played at Harvard University from 2018 to 2023 before making his pro debut with the Wheeling Nailers at the end of the 2022-23 season. Prior to college, he played junior hockey with the Tri-City Storm and Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL.
The Mariners also named defensemen Justin Bean and Zach Massicotte as alternate captains, joining forward Sebastian Vidmar in the leadership group. This leadership change will be tested this weekend to see if it impacts their track record.
Worcester Railers vs Maine Mariners- Friday, January 24
The Mariners snapped the Railers’ eight-game win streak with a 4-2 victory on Friday night. The game saw a total of 84 penalty minutes between the two teams. Chase Zieky’s three assists were pivotal in sparking the Mariners’ offense, while Owen Pederson contributed with a goal and an assist.
Period One
Maine struck early, taking a 1-0 lead just over a minute into the game. Brooklyn Kalmikov zipped through the middle and dished the puck to Jacob Hudson, who fired a one-timer from the left wing. Kalmikov’s assist was his 30th point of the season, further cementing his status as a team leader. Last week he was named an Eastern Conference All-Star.
The Railers thought they had tied the game midway through the first, but after review, it was ruled that Griffin Loughran had interfered with Mariners goalie Ryan Bischel. Maine kept the lead at 1-0 heading into the second period.
Period Two
The Mariners doubled their lead at 8:59 when Tristan Thompson scored a power-play goal. Thompson blasted a slapshot past a screened Michael Bullion, making it 2-0. The play was reviewed for potential goaltender interference but was upheld, giving Thompson his first goal as a Mariner.
Period Three
In the third period, Maine extended its lead to 3-0 at 5:46 when Owen Pederson fired a shot past Bullion. Worcester responded 21 seconds later, with Griffin Luce finding the back of the net to cut Maine’s lead to 3-1.
The Mariners answered back at 10:36 when Nick Jermain buried a rebound to restore their three-goal advantage at 4-1. Worcester’s Jordan Kaplan added a wraparound goal at 14:40 to pull the Railers back within two, but Maine’s defense stood tall in the final minutes, securing the 4-2 victory.
Worcester Railers vs Maine Mariners – Saturday, January 25
Saturday night the Mariners look to tally in another win against the Railers.
Period One
The Mariners faced a penalty just under two minutes in when Zieky was called for interference, causing a Railers’ stick to fly into the air. Fortunately, the Railers couldn’t capitalize on the power play.
At 5:04, Justin Bean scored with an assist from Jermain. Shortly after, Deveaux and Worcester’s Hatten dropped the gloves, resulting in five-minute penalties for fighting.
The period remained relatively uneventful until Worcester’s Donhauser and Maine’s Massicotte were penalized for roughing with just five minutes left. The Mariners ended the period with a slight upper hand, leading in shots on goal, 9 to 6.
Period Two
The second period started strong for the Mariners, who gained a two-goal lead just over four minutes in. Jacob Hudson scored with an assist from Justin Bean, beating Rangers goalie prospect Hugo Ollas. Zieky was penalized for having too many men on the ice.
Maine’s defense held strong during the Railers’ power play, but Ginnell scored just as the penalty clock hit zero. The period ended memorably with a pileup at the net as players scrambled for the puck when the timer went off. The Railers led in shots on goal, 19 to 16.
Period Three
Just over two minutes into the third period, Xander Lamppa scored, bringing the Mariners back to a safer two-goal lead. Justin Bean also earned his second assist of the night.
Late in the period, McCallum was called for tripping. Shortly after his return, Massicotte was penalized for high sticking, leaving the Mariners to face a 6-on-4 situation. However, with an outstanding performance from Nolan Maier, they secured a 3-1 win.
The three stars of the game were Xander Lamppa, Nolan Maier, and Justin Bean.
Trois-Rivières Lions vs Maine Mariners – Saturday, January 25
Period One
The first period started off rough for the Mariners, with their passes not connecting well. Just over five minutes in, the Trois-Rivières Lions scored when Morgan Adams-Moisan got the puck right under the bar. The Lions dominated the ice, spending much of the period in the Mariners’ zone. Their aggression and speed were evident, as Mariners’ breakaways often lacked timely support from teammates.
The Mariners managed to even the score when Nick Jermain sneaked the puck behind Émond. Late in the period, the Mariners gained a power play when Wyatt McLeod was penalized for holding, but it was short-lived as McCallum was sent to the box for hooking.
Bischel made an impressive save in the last minute by belly flopping onto the puck. The period ended with the Lions leading in shots on goal, 9 to 1.
Period Two
The second period began with both teams exchanging possession. Just over six minutes in, the Lions’ captain scored his second goal of the afternoon. Towards the end of the period, a fight broke out between Dufort and Hudson, resulting in two five-minute penalties. At 15:57, Beauregard netted his 13th goal of the season, further extending the Lions’ lead. They continued to dominate, heading into the third period with 19 shots on goal compared to Maine’s 7.
Period Three
The period remained uneventful until the final minutes of play. The Lions extended their lead with a goal by Alex Beaucage at 14:34. The Mariners managed to score their second goal of the afternoon at 18:05, thanks to McCallum. Despite pulling their goalie, Maine couldn’t catch up and ultimately lost 2-4.
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