PORTLAND, Maine- The Maine Mariners broke out to a 3-0 lead after one period Friday night, and then held on for a 4-2 win over the Worcester Railers in East Coast Hockey League action at the Cross Insurance Arena.
Taylor Cammarata got things going for the Mariners in the first period, scoring at 9:57 on the powerplay to make it 1-0. After a five minute major and game misconduct penalty accessed to the Railers, Maine took advantage on the five minute powerplay. Dillian Fox scored at 14:12, and Cammarata scored his second of the period just 1:02 later to make it 3-0 as Maine scored on their first three powerplay chances. Nick Master made it 4-0 on a pretty pass just after a Terrence Wallin penalty expired at 9:59 of the second, before Worcester got on the board at 16:44 on a goal from Josh Holmstrom. Matt Schmalz got Worcester within a pair at 13:03 of the third, and despite pulling their goalie for the last 3:44 that would finish the scoring as the Railers got no closer. The win keeps the Atlantic Division playoff hopes alive for Maine (36-31-2). The Mariners must win at Manchester Saturday night and at home Sunday over NewFoundland, and also get the Brampton Beast to lose one of their final two games to get in.
Wallin had two assists on the night for Maine. The Mariners were outshot 43-22, as Francois Brassard made 41 saves in the win. On the powerplay Maine finished 3-8, Worcester was 0-4. The team now hits the road to Manchester, New Hampshire for their final regular season road game against the Monarchs Saturday night at 6 pm. Worcester (30-29-7), already eliminated from playoff contention got 18 saves from goalie Blake Wojtala in the loss. Schmalz had two points with a goal and an assist.
