And it’ll get a chance Saturday when the Mariners host Skyview at their first home game in more than a month.
The Mariners finished their last of nine consecutive road games over the weekend in a three game set in the Valley, playing some of their best hockey of the year in narrow losses to Bartlett and Colony, said Head Hockey Coach John Butcher.
A 3-2 win over Palmer on Friday, however, gave him some heartburn.
“I was a little worried about them,” Butcher said. “I think they almost expected to win.”
Homer beat Palmer convincingly last season, but needed third-period goals by Adam Trieweiller and Josh Pitta to shake off the Moose on Friday.
The story of the Mariners’ season so far (2-3 in conference, 4-5 overall) is consistency, and at times, the lack thereof, said Butcher.
The Mariners tend to play great against better teams — like Bartlett and Colony — and not so great against lesser teams like Palmer, Butcher said.
“They need to learn that they have to show up each and every game,” he said.
But with three conference games and two home games remaining until Christmas, Butcher said the team is making strides.
The Mariners out shot Bartlett, Palmer and Colony by nearly 30 shots combined and showed themselves how well they can play, Butcher said.
They also had a chance to spend more time as a team.
“This weekend was good not only on the ice, but the team gelled together,” Butcher said. “Everybody is on the same page looking forward.”
Bartlett traveled to the Valley to play Homer as a substitute to scheduled Wasilla Thursday night. The Warriors had to forfeit the game because the team had been suspended for three weeks by Wasilla High School for hazing.
Justin Adams tied the score at 1-1 in the first period and the Mariners had several more scoring opportunities in a fast-paced game. But the Bears grabbed a third-period goal for the victory.
After the disappointing 3-2 win over Palmer, Homer played a tough game against Colony before losing 4-1 Saturday.
Adams scored the lone Mariner goal in the first period and had several breakaway chances, but couldn’t connect.
“He easily could have scored five (goals),” Butcher said. “We did enough to win, it just didn’t go our way.”
Butcher said he is optimistic the Mariners can gain some momentum going into the Christmas break.
After the Skyview game — one he thinks the team can win — the Mariners host Kenai.
“They’re real excited to play Kenai again,” Butcher said. “We weren’t at our best by far against them last time.”
The Mariners travel to Soldotna for their last game before break on Dec. 17.
They then have four more home games and four road games before the North Star Championships in February.
Ben Stuart can be reached at ben.stuart@homernews.com.
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