The Radio Voice of the MAINEiacs Jeff Mannix files this road report as the team was about to embark to St. John’s… 

As I write this first installment of the trip, it is 11:00 AM Eastern Time on Friday morning and the team is preparing to load up the bus andhead to Montreal.  From there, the team will fly from Montreal to
Halifax, and then from Halifax to St.John’s, Newfoundland.  Estimated time of arrival in St. John’s is about 2:00 AM Newfoundland time, or about 12:30 AM Eastern.  Needless to say, the team has a long day of traveling ahead. 

No wonder so many teams struggle in games against the Fog Devils at Mile One Stadium especially in the first games of series.  It is very rare indeed that you see a team take the first game of a series from St. John’s in their building.  The second game has happened more often, but the first is a rarity.  In Lewiston’s only trip there last season, the MAINEiacs dropped the first game in a shootout, then one the next two after a pair of days off by 3-1 and 9-2 scores.  That 9-2 turned into a third period filled with fights that brought a pretty good rivalry through the end of last season.  A lot of the principles that instigated from both sides are gone, but don’t let that fool you.  There’s plenty bubbling under the surface.  It could explode either night if the score gets out of hand either way. Look at last Friday’s game between St. John’s and Saint John at Harbour Station.  The game turned into a line brawl by the middle of the third period as the Devils were down 7-2. Sure, Anthony Pototschnik and Marty Doyle may be gone, but the Devils can still bring the pain.

It will no doubt be a fun weekend of hockey. I’ll check in again when we’re in Newfoundland tomorrow morning.  Saturday’s game is a 5:30 Eastern Time start with a 5:00 PM pregame show.  Sunday’s game starts at 2:30 PM, and the pregame starts at 2:00 PM.  Both games are on 1470 ESPN Radio.

Thanks to Jeff for taking the time to keep us updated while on the road. Stay tuned for more updates!

As always, news, rumours, questions and comments appreciated. offthepost@lewistonhockey.com