RECAP : Shorthanded Growlers fall 2-1 to the Mariners

Maine Mariners (29-21-2-1) at Newfoundland Growlers (36-13-0-1)Tuesday, February 18th – Mile One Centre – St. John’s, NL Goal Summary 

Game Story The Newfoundland Growlers have now lost back-to-back games after dropping a 2-1 decision to the Maine Mariners Tuesday night at Mile One Centre. Aaron Luchuk opened the scoring with 29 seconds to play in the opening period after making a nice play at the blue line to keep control of the puck, and then bat a rebound behind Francois Brassard for his 15th of the season and to give the Growlers a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Greg Chase evened the score at 7:57 of the middle frame as he cut across the front of the net and wristed a shot behind Parker Gahagen. Todd Skirving was looking to give the Growlers the lead at the 13-minute mark of the second period, but Francois Brassard came up tall and turned aside the shorthanded breakaway attempt to keep the 1-1 score heading into the third period. Terrance Wallin gave the Mariners their first lead of the game at 9:58 after fighting off a pack of defending Growlers and fired it home for a 2-1 game. Growlers Head Coach pulled netminder Parker Gahagen with 2:12 to play in the game, but the Growlers couldn’t capitalize with the extra man for a 2-1 final score. Parker Gahagen made 26 saves for the Growlers, and Francois Brassard made 34 for the Mariners. Quick Hits

• Alec Baer (#40), Anthony McVeigh (#42) and Derian Hamilton (#46) all made their Growlers debuts
• Zach O’Brien extended his point streak to nine games
• The three stars were 3 – A. Luchuk (NFL), 2 – S. Day (MNE) and 1 – F. Brassard (MNE)

 What’s Next?The Newfoundland Growlers wrap up their four-game homestand Wednesday night against the Maine Mariners, ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers. Puck drop is 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Mile One Centre Box Office and online at mileonecentre.com.