The Yarmouth Mariners needed a shootout to win their home opener.
Nathan Carter had the winner in the fifth round as Yarmouth beat Summerside 4-3 in front of over 1,400 fans Friday night.
The 20-year old says it was great to have that moment in his home debut.
“It felt amazing. The community support at the Fishtank is crazy, and especially getting my first home game here under my belt, it was amazing,” said Carter.
He previously played for the South Shore Lumberjacks, but was acquired by the Mariners in the offseason.
The first star of the game was goaltender Keegan Warren, he made 41 saves and stopped all 5 shootout attempts.
Mariners Head Coach and GM Laurie Barron says they had to up their game.
“This is a young hockey club. Summerside is a seasoned, veteran group, and we stuck around. It’s a great experience for them and something they’ll remember,” said Barron.
HONOURING THE CHAMPS:
The 2023 Yarmouth Mariners were recognized, becoming the first team to go 12-0 in the playoffs to win the MHL championship.
A banner raising was held before the game.
The new championship banners were unveiled during the Yarmouth Mariners home opener on Friday, September 15th, 2023 (Ken Chetwynd Photo)
Former Mariner Reid Vos, now playing for Summerside, was honoured mid-way through the game with a tribute video.
He was a fan-favourite and leader on last season’s squad.
Barron spoke highly of Vos.
“One of the hardest things I’ve done is trade him. He was a warrior, he’s a hell of a hockey player. At the same time I was happy for him to get his accolades, and he gets to say he’s a champion. The crowd showed their appreciation for him tonight.”
Summerside Western Capitals forward Reid Vos acknowledges the Mariners Centre crowd after a tribute video on September 15th, 2023 (Ken Chetwynd Photo)
Yarmouth also unveiled 20-year old forward Will Chisholm of Lunenburg as their captain for 2023/24.
The Mariners game in Truro was postponed due to Lee Saturday, their next home game is Friday night against Amherst.
