On Monday, January 9th, the Maine Mariners announced roster moves. One forward, Alex-Olivier Voyer, and one goaltender, Kyle Keyser, have been recalled to the Providence Bruins of the AHL. Goaltender Francois Brassard has been reassigned to the Maine Mariners from the Providence Bruins. Forward Nick Jermain has also left the team to sign in Europe.
Finally rejoining the Mariners is Francois Brassard, who has led the Mariners goaltenders in minutes played this season. When fans heard that he would be returning and playing for the team again, many were thankful and happy to welcome him back. Many of them felt that the Mariners had a bit of a rocky start to the season before Brassard returned – the team lost nearly all of their home games. However, things seem to have been looking up for them since the beginning of December. Brassard has one six out of eight starts since December and even scored a rare ‘goalie goal’ on December 18th, 2022, at Adirondack. He is also the reigning ECHL Goaltender of the Year, having won the award last season in Jacksonville.
Alex-Olivier Voyer is on contract with Providence. According to the Maine Mariners website, he’s had seven goals and five assists over his last seven games. In 19 total games for the team this season, he’s scored ten goals and eight assists. Goaltender Kyle Keyser was assigned to the Mariners last week and had victories in both games he started. On January 4th at Trois-Rivieres, he stopped 18 out of 20 shorts, leading to a 3-2 victory. On Friday, January 8th, he turned aside 29/33 to defeat Adirondack in OT. He is on an NHL contract with the Boston Bruins.
Lastly, Forward Nick Jermain has left the team to sign and play in Slovakia. The Mariners originally acquired him from the Fort Wayne Komets midway through last season. This was his second season with the team, scoring six goals and three assists in 24 games. Five of his goals came over the season’s first six games, including the OT winner on opening night at Trois-Rivieres.
The Maine Mariners are now on the road, starting yesterday, Wednesday the 11th, at Norfolk. The team will return home for a three-game series against Norfolk on Friday, January 27th.
