The Royals blank the Mariners to end a three-game winning streak for Maine, which is held scoreless for only the third time this season.

Maine, which has won six of seven games in December, moves into fourth place in its ECHL’s North Division.

After a disappointing road trip to Norfolk, the Maine Mariners rebound to beat Worcester 5-4 with Alex Kile’s goal in overtime.

The former Greely High star is the first native Mainer to play for Maine’s ECHL team, which has yet to lose with him in the lineup.

Alex Kile converts the first shot in OT to give Maine a 4-3 victory and extend its winning streak to three games.

The Thunder open a 3-0 lead after two periods and hold on for a 5-2 win.

Portland’s ECHL hockey club kicks off a 72-game schedule Friday night at Cross Insurance Arena.

Ted Hart, who played at Greely High and Yale University, remains hopeful that later this season he may become the first Mainer to skate for Portland’s ECHL club.

The minor-league hockey club opens training camp this week, with the season opener scheduled for Oct. 11.

A four-year player at Yale, Hart will try to become the first Maine native to play for Portland’s ECHL squad.