KEELEY: JUSTIN BRAZEAU WAS ASSIGNED TO MAINE, COMPLETING THE SEASON-OPENING ROSTER
Former Newfoundland Growler star joins Mariners from Providence

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners

PORTLAND, ME – October 21, 2021 – Forward Justin Brazeau was assigned to the Mariners Wednesday from the American Hockey League’s Providence Bruins. A former 100-point scorer in the Ontario Hockey League, Mariners fans may remember Brazeau from his time with the Newfoundland Growlers in 2019-20.

Brazeau, 23, hails from New Liskeard, ON, and is 6’6, 225 pounds. A star in the OHL, he played four seasons for the North Bay Batallion, where he increased his point total exponentially each year. In the 2018-19 season, he finished second in the league. He had 113 points in 68 games, including a league-best 61 goals. That season, he was also captain of the Batallion.

Brazeau also put up a 75-point campaign for North Bay the season prior.

Turning pro in 2019-20, Brazeau signed a two-year deal with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. He played just one game for the Marlies and spent the remainder of the season with their ECHL affiliates and Mariners division rival, the Newfoundland Growlers. Brazeau led the Growlers with 27 goals and was second in points, with 55 in 57 games. He was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team.

Last season, Brazeau appeared in 21 games for the Marlies, scoring four goals and adding one assist. In late August, he signed with Providence.

The Mariners season-opening roster is complete, consisting of 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders. Click here to view the roster.

The Mariners are now proud affiliates of the Boston Bruins and begin their 2021-22 season, presented by Hannaford To Go on October 22, with the home opener against the Worcester Railers, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings. Individual game tickets for all 36 home games are on sale now, online at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena or by calling the box office at 207-775-3458. In addition, full season, half-season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans are also available. More information on ticket packages is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.com.

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BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners

PORTLAND, ME – October 6th, 2021 – The Maine Mariners and Worcester Railers will be taking their rivalry to a new level in 2021-22. As the teams face off twice in the preseason and 14 times during the regular season, they’ll compete for the “VIP Rivalry Cup,” presented by VIP Tires & Service.

The history of the Portland-Worcester rivalry traces back to the days of the American Hockey League. The Portland Pirates and Worcester Sharks were known for their physical, high-intensity matchups throughout the early and mid-2000s. However, as the Railers filled the Worcester market in 2017-18 and the Mariners arrived in Portland the following season, the rivalry has re-ignited.

SCHEDULE

The teams will play a pair of preseason exhibition games against one another on October 15^th and 16^th. On Friday, October 15th, they’ll meet for the first time at The Colisee in Lewiston, ME, for a 7:00 PM puck drop – with the Mariners as the home team. The following night, the teams will face off at 6:05 PM at the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center. The home-and-home weekend will be repeated in the two teams’ home arenas on October 22^nd and 23^rd to open the regular season. The Mariners and Railers meet 14 times throughout the regular season – eight in Worcester and six in Maine.

The final regular season meeting between the two teams is on April 6th in Worcester. At the end of the season, the trophy will be presented to the team with a better record. In addition, each game will feature a “Rivalry Play of the Game” – a highlight of a goal, save, fight, hit, or other game event posted to social media that best encapsulates the Mariners/Railers rivalry.

Historically, the Mariners hold a substantial edge in the head-to-head series. Of the 25 all-time meetings, Maine has won 17 of them. The success has been highlighted by a dominant 11-1-1-0 all-time mark at the Cross Insurance Arena. During the 2019-20 season, the Mariners went 7-2-1-1 against Worcester. The teams were scheduled to meet seven more times when the pandemic caused the season’s cancellation in mid-March 2020.

VIP SERVICE AVAILABLE

VIP Tires & Service, a Quirk family-owned business for 95 years based in Auburn, Maine, operates 65 locations throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts providing retail and wholesale tires and installation and professional automotive services. VIP is the place where New Englanders turn for everything they need to keep their vehicles running at peak performance. For more information, visit www.vipauto.com.

“VIP Tires & Service is excited to sponsor the Rivalry Cup,” said Lynn Campbell, Director of Marketing, Advertising, and CRM. “With stores in both Portland and Worcester, the partnership couldn’t be better. However, we’ll be rooting for BOTH teams to win, of course!”

The Mariners are now proud affiliates of the Boston Bruins and begin their 2021-22 season, presented by Hannaford To Go on October 22nd, with the home opener against Worcester, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings. Individual game tickets for all 36 home games are on sale now, online at the Trusted Choice Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena or calling the box office at 207-775-3458. In addition, full season, half-season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans are also available. More information on ticket packages is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.com.

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BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners

PORTLAND, ME – September 20, 2021 – The Maine Mariners will host the Worcester Railers on Friday, October 15^th, at The Colisee in Lewiston for a preseason exhibition game. It’s part of a “home and home” series with the Railers, presented by VIP Tires & Service, one week before the regular season starts on October 22^nd. It will be the first chance for Mariners fans to check out the team under the new Boston Bruins affiliation and first-year head coach Ben Guite.

Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM on October 15^th at The Colisee. Admission will be $2 per person (cash only), with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Bar and concessions services will be available. The Mariners will have limited merchandise for sale and an informational table with ticketing options for the regular season. There will also be a radio broadcast of the game, at Mixlr.com/MaineMariners or on the Mixlr App.

MORE INFO

The Colisee is currently the home of the North American Hockey League’s Maine Nordiques, who captured the 2020-21 NAHL East Division postseason championship this past summer. Over the years, The Colisee has hosted many hockey teams, including the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2003-2011. The Portland Pirates (AHL) played their home games at The Colisee during the 2013-14 season as the Cumberland County Civic Center (now Cross Insurance Arena) was undergoing renovations. The Colisee holds approximately 4,000 fans.

The Mariners will travel to Worcester on Saturday, October 16^th to play the Railers at the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center at 6:05 PM. A Mariners radio broadcast will be available once again. The two teams will then replicate the series (in their home arenas) the following weekend to open the regular season – Friday, October 22^nd at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland and Saturday, October 23^rd at the DCU Center in Worcester.

The Mariners are now proud affiliates of the Boston Bruins and begin their 2021-22 season, presented by Hannaford To Go on October 22^nd, with the home opener against the Worcester Railers, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings. The full schedule can be found here. Full season, half season, 12-game mini plans, and 10-ticket flex plans, as well as group tickets are available now. Single game tickets will go on sale September 29^th. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.co.

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BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners

PORTLAND, ME – August 31, 2021 – The Maine Mariners continue to build their 2021-22 roster, announcing the signing of defenseman Marc-Olivier Duquette on Tuesday. Duquette has been in the ECHL since the 2019-20 season, most of his time with the Wheeling Nailers.

Like forward Pascal Laberge, who signed last week, Duquette hails from Chateauguay, Quebec, and played junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. With the Gatineau Olympiques, he was teammates with Laberge and former Mariners defenseman Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin and goaltender Francois Brassard. Duquette was with the Olympiques from 2014-2016 but only appeared in five games.

HISTORY

In the summer of 2016, Duquette was traded from Gatineau to the Drummondville Voltigeurs, where he’d cross paths with another eventual Mariner: forward Morgan Adams-Moisan. Duquette got a lot of playing time for the Voltigeurs, skating in 68 games in both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, and 50 more in 2018-19, his final year of juniors. While more of a stay-at-home defenseman, Duquette posted 21 or more points each season, with a career-high seven goals in his last year.

Duquette turned pro in 2019-20 and appeared in four games for the Fort Wayne Komets, with no points or penalty minutes. He was dealt to Wheeling in late October of 2019 and skated in 39 games for the Nailers, scoring two goals and five assists. Duquette returned to Wheeling for the 2020-21 season but only played in one game.

Duquette is 23 years old and brings size to the team at 6’4, 201 pounds. He joins Brycen Martin, Connor Doherty, and Nate Kallen on the Mariners defense corps. In addition to that group, the Mariners have announced the signings of four forwards to date. Click here to view the current roster.

TICKET PLANS

The Mariners are now proud affiliates of the Boston Bruins and begin their 2021-22 season, presented by Hannaford To Go on October 22^nd, with the home opener against the Worcester Railers, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings. The full schedule can be found here. Full season, half-season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans, as well as group tickets, are available now. Single-game tickets will go on sale on September 29^th. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or visiting MarinersOfMaine.com.

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BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners

PORTLAND, ME – August 3, 2021 – The Maine Mariners are proud to announce former University of Maine National Champion Ben Guite as the second head coach in team history. Guite takes over for Riley Armstrong, who accepted a position as an assistant coach with the American Hockey League’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Additionally, Terrence Wallin has been named the new assistant coach of the Mariners.

“We are thrilled to bring on Ben as the second head coach in Mariners history,” said Danny Briere, Mariners President, and Governor. “He has a wealth of experience in professional hockey from his playing career, and an established connection with the state of Maine as both a player and a coach. His ability to recruit talent will translate well to the ECHL and we look forward to Ben helping us continue to build on the winning culture we’ve established here.”

Guite, 43, was a part of the University of Maine men’s hockey coaching staff from 2013-2021, originally as an assistant. For the past four seasons, he served as associate head coach. Following the tragic death of Black Bears Head Coach Red Gendron in April, Guite was named interim head coach. The Mariners will be his first professional coaching opportunity and his first as a head coach.

“It’s a huge honor to be able to be a head coach in the ECHL,” said Guite. “I am very thankful for Danny showing the confidence in selecting me as head coach and to Riley for making the transition seamless with the players and helping in securing the best possible team for our fans for the upcoming season.”

REACTION

“It’s a new and exciting challenge, being a head coach in one of the top developmental leagues in the world,” added Guite. “This is a great opportunity to work hand in hand with the Bruins and their prospects. I am really looking forward to working with and help move our players up while providing our fans championship-caliber hockey.”

A former center, Guite also played for UMaine from 1996-2000, winning the National Championship with the Black Bears in 1999. The following season, he was named assistant captain and led the team with 22 goals. Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1997, Guite went on to enjoy a 13-year professional career. He made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins during the 2005-06 season, and also played for the Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators. In total, he appeared in 174 career NHL games, scoring 19 goals, 26 assists, and registering 97 penalty minutes.

Guite also brings familiarity with the Mariners’ new AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. He played two full seasons with the P-Bruins from 2004-2006, helping them on a run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2005. Other AHL organizations Guite played for include the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, Albany River Rats, Milwaukee Admirals, Springfield Falcons, and Worcester Sharks. He has just under 600 career AHL games under his belt. Guite’s first year as a pro was spent in the ECHL, with the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks in 2000-01.

BACKGROUND

Guite is a native of LaSalle, Quebec. He and his wife, Kristen – Portland native, have two sons: Patrick and Maxime.

The first addition to Guite’s staff will be Terrence Wallin, who retires after a five-year professional playing career, the last two serving as an alternate captain of the Mariners. Wallin was the team’s co-leader in goals in 2019-20, scoring 23, a career-high.

Late in the offseason of 2018, the Mariners acquired Wallin from the Adirondack Thunder in exchange for defenseman Matias Cleland. It was the first trade in Mariners franchise history. The move brought Wallin closer to family. Although he’s a native of Yardley, PA, Wallin has Maine roots in Kennebunk. In two seasons, he accumulated 73 points, including 34 goals – ranking him 2^nd in both categories on the franchise career leaderboards. He also holds the top franchise career marks in shots on goal (302) and game-winning goals. (9)

“Getting this job means a ton to me,” said Wallin. “I have loved this game my whole life and given everything to it, so being rewarded with this opportunity is huge. This will be a great experience working under two great hockey minds like Danny and Ben. It will be a welcomed adjustment from playing because in the long run, coaching is something that I am very passionate about.”

Although he’ll be making his coaching debut this season, the 29-year-old Wallin has plenty of experience teaching the game. He founded “Evolution Hockey” in 2019, teaching skill development to players of all ages through his Maine-based hockey camps. Wallin has expanded his program into a Gorham-based youth hockey travel program, the Maine Evolution. Wallin replaces Anthony Bohn on the coaching staff, who departed the Mariners after the 2019-20 season, and is now the head coach of the El Paso Rhinos of the North American Hockey League.

“Although he’s decided to retire from playing, we’re glad Terrence is staying in the Mariners family,” said Briere. “After seeing his leadership as our alternate captain the past two seasons, we know he will make a seamless transition into coaching. What he’s done with his youth hockey program in just a few years is remarkable and he will help us bridge the gap with the arrival of a new head coach.”

The Mariners are now proud affiliates of the Boston Bruins and begin their 2021-22 season, presented by Hannaford To Go on October 22^nd, with the home opener against the Worcester Railers, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings. The full schedule can be found here. Full season, half season, 12-game mini plans, and 10-ticket flex plans, as well as group tickets are available now. Single game tickets will go on sale September 29^th. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.com.

Photos of Ben Guite credit to University of Maine Athletics

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BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners

PORTLAND, ME – July 20, 2021 – The Maine Mariners announced their initial list of major theme nights for the 2021-22 season on Tuesday. Set for a full 36 game home schedule, the Mariners will bring back many favorite theme nights from the past while introducing some new concepts. All theme nights are subject to change, and more will be announced in the coming weeks and months. The 2021-22 season is presented by Hannaford to Go.

Opening Night is Friday, October 22^nd, against the Worcester Railers at 7:15 PM and is sponsored by Skowhegan Savings. The Mariners will salute local healthcare workers for their dedication through the COVID-19 pandemic. A magnet schedule giveaway will be presented by Portland North Dental. The Mariners have additional surprises planned to celebrate the new Boston Bruins affiliation and the long-awaited return of hockey to the Cross Insurance Arena.

On Sunday, October 31^st, the Mariners will hold a Halloween-themed game with “Sunday Scaries.” It’s a 3:00 PM afternoon faceoff that will feature a postgame trick-or-treat for kids. In addition, fans are encouraged to dress in costumes and enjoy Halloween music and activities throughout the game.

The Mariners partner with the Dempsey Center on Friday, November 5^th, a cancer management organization founded by Hollywood star and Lewiston native Patrick Dempsey. November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and the month of “Movember,” a hockey-centric men’s health initiative. The Mariners will raise money for the Dempsey Center through a special ticket package and other opportunities throughout the game.

One day after Veteran’s Day is Military Appreciation Night on Friday, November 12^th, presented by Martin’s Point, honoring the men and women who served and continue to serve the country. The Mariners will wear special camouflage jerseys, which were voted on by the fans last year.

Saturday, December 4^th, will be the annual Teddy Bear Toss game, also featuring the theme of the Warner Bros. movie “Elf.” This will also be a specialty jersey game with a holiday theme throughout the night. In addition, fans will be encouraged to dress as Santa Claus – to create a “Santa Con!”

“Kids Club Day” will focus on the young fans – an afternoon midweek game during holiday break on Wednesday, December 29^th at 3 PM. Members of Beacon’s Kids Club will assist Mariners’ staff in-game production and have the opportunity to enjoy game day experiences like watching warmups from the bench or dropping the puck. The entire day will be kid-centric.

Ring in 2022 with the Mariners, as well! A long-standing Portland hockey tradition, the New Year’s Eve game returns to the Cross Insurance Arena on the final day of 2021. It’s a 5:00 PM face-off on December 31^st.

On Sunday, January 9^th, a night specifically dedicated to the Boston Bruins affiliation will be “Affiliation Day.” The familiar Bruins black and gold color scheme will be featured, and fans will be encouraged to wear their Bruins gear.

On Saturday, January 19^th, the popular “Throwback Night” returns, emphasizing “throwing it back” to the 1990s – the last time a Bruins affiliate played in Portland. Ticket prices from the 1990s will make a comeback – with all tickets $8 for the game. In addition, season ticket holders will receive a commemorative throwback ticket stub, and a giveaway will be 90s-themed. Alumni appearances included, as always.

“Country Night” is scheduled for Saturday, March 19^th. Fans will be encouraged to wear cowboy hats and boots and enjoy country music throughout the game.

The much anticipated “Maine Wild Blueberries” will return on Saturday, March 26^th. We’ll once again experience “what could have been” if the team naming contest had gone differently, as the Mariners become the Wild Blueberries for a night, including the return of the now-famous jerseys. Oakhurst Dairy sponsors the game, which is part of one of four “3Kends” throughout the season, presented by Three Dollar Deweys.

Finally, “Fan Appreciation Weekend” closes out the season on April 15^th and 16^th, with prizes giveaways throughout each game and a celebration of the people that make Mariners hockey possible – the fans!

Additional theme nights, giveaways, special ticket packages, and further information on the themes listed above will be announced in the future. In addition, the complete list of specialty jerseys will also be revealed in a separate announcement. The full 2021-22 Mariners schedule can be found here.

Full season, half-season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans, as well as group tickets, are available now. All new and existing full and half-season ticket holders who deposit by August 1^st are eligible to receive an exclusive Mariners jacket (full) or hooded sweatshirt. (half) For a limited time, to commemorate the new affiliation with the Bruins, ticket package deposits are just $19.92. Single-game tickets will go on sale in September. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or visiting MarinersOfMaine.com.

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BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners

PORTLAND, ME – July 2, 2021 – The Maine Mariners released their 2021 Protected List on Friday, containing 17 names of players whose ECHL rights will be retained by the Mariners. The Protected List is the first phase in a three-step process of protecting players’ rights, followed by submitting a season-ending roster and finally, issuing qualifying offers. The Protected List is as follows:

FORWARDS (11): Conner Bleackley, Jonathan Desbiens, Ryan Ferrill, Dillan Fox, Ben Freeman, Ted Hart, Alex Kile, Nick Master, Michael McNicholas, Mikael Robidoux, Andrew Romano

DEFENSEMEN (6): Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin, Nate Kallen, Ryan Jackson, Michael Kim, Dallas Rossiter, Scott Savage

RULES

Any Player who had originally signed with one of the 12 Teams (Mariners included) not participating in the 2020-21 Season, and went on to sign with one of the 2020-21 Active Teams, shall have his Player Rights revert back to the original Member Team’s Protected List. Any Player who was issued a Qualifying Offer by a Member that elected Pandemic Voluntary Suspension, but never signed the Qualifying Offer, shall be declared a Free Agent for the 2021-22 Season. Any Player signed as an Amateur prior to the 2020-21 Season (i.e. straight out of college or juniors with zero pro experience) whose Member Team elected to take Pandemic Voluntary Suspension, and who subsequently did not play in the ECHL during the 2020-21 Season, may be voluntarily omitted from his Member’s Protected List without penalty.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that:

1. Signed an SPC in 2020-21 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR
   2. Signed an SPC in 2020-21, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR
   3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current Season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR
   4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR
   5. Signed an SPC on or after the first day of the 2020-21 Regular Season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR
   6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released.

Protected lists may exceed 20 players.

ROSTERS

The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on July 5 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on July 8.

Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2020-21.

The Mariners are now proud affiliates of the Boston Bruins and begin their 2021-22 season, presented by Hannaford To Go, begins on October 22^nd, with the home opener against the Worcester Railers, presented by Skowhegan Savings. The full schedule can be found here.

Full season, half-season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans, as well as group tickets, are available now. All new and existing full and half-season ticket holders who make a deposit by August 1^st are eligible to receive an exclusive Mariners jacket (full) or hooded sweatshirt. (half) For a limited time, to commemorate the new affiliation with the Bruins, ticket package deposits are just $19.92. Single-game tickets will go on sale in September. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.com.

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BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners

PORTLAND, ME – May 11, 2021 – The Maine Mariners announced their 2021-22 schedule on Tuesday, marking their return to ECHL play after the COVID-19 pandemic halted play in March. The 20h of 2020 and subsequently canceled the entire 2020-21 campaig21-22 season, the Mariners’ third in the ECHL, is presented by Hannaford To Go. The full schedule can be viewed here.

As previously announced, the season will begin on Friday, October 22^nd, when the Mariners host the Worcester Railers at the Cross Insurance Arena at 7:15 PM in the home opener, presented by Skowhegan Savings. That will be the front end of a home-and-home with the Railers to open the season, with the teams meeting at the DCU Center in Worcester on October 23^rd.

The Mariners play six of the first seven games of the season on home ice, hosting the new expansion franchise from Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, on October 29^th, and then welcoming in the Reading Royals for a Halloween afternoon game on October 31^st. The homestand continues through mid-November, with the first-ever contest against the Florida Everblades on November 5^th and two more with Trois-Rivieres on November 12^th and 14^th.

ROAD TRIP

After a four-game road trip to Florida, the Mariners finish the November home schedule with two games on either side of the Thanksgiving holiday – November 24^th against Worcester and the 26^th hosting the Newfoundland Growlers.

“The great hockey fans of Maine have been unbelievably patient over the last year, understanding that playing the 2020-21 season was not a realistic option for us,” said Mariners President Danny Briere. “To be able to welcome them back in the fall will hopefully make our return after the long wait that much sweeter. We look forward to putting another competitive team on the ice that will bring playoff hockey back to Portland and make a run at the Kelly Cup.”

The Mariners will once again compete in the North Division, including returning clubs Worcester, Reading, Newfoundland, and the Adirondack Thunder, all of whom also opted out of the 2020-21 season. In February, the Brampton Beast announced that they were ceasing operations and will be replaced in the division by the Trois-Rivieres franchise, which has not yet announced a team name.

Another highlight of the 2021-22 home schedule includes games on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Trois-Rivieres is the opponent on December 31^st before Adirondack comes to town for the first game of 2022. January is the busiest home month of the schedule, with nine games at the Cross Insurance Arena.

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO VISIT

In addition to Florida, two other South Division opponents will visit the Cross Insurance Arena in 2021-22. The Orlando Solar Bears come in for three games on January 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd. The Mariners hosted Orlando in November of 2018 but haven’t seen the Solar Bears since. They’ll also visit Orlando in the first half of the season, playing a total of four games against the Bears. The South Carolina Stingrays, which have made trips to Portland in each of the Mariners’ first two seasons, visit once again for a pair of games on March 19^th and 20^th.

The season concludes mid-April with a three-game homestand against Reading (April 13^th) and Newfoundland (April 15^th and 16^th).

The opponent breakdown for the season is as follows: Trois-Rivieres (15), Worcester and Adirondack (14), Newfoundland (13), Reading (6), and South Division opponents: Orlando (4), Jacksonville (3), South Carolina (2), and Florida (1).

Like previous seasons, all Friday home games will begin at 7:15 PM, Saturdays at 6:00, Sundays at 3:00, and Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. Two games (December 31^st and January 30^th) will begin at 5:00 PM, with the puck dropping on December 29^th at 3:00 PM.

HANNAFORD

Hannaford presents the 2021-22 season To Go. As presenting partners for the season, Hannaford will support the Mariners in virtually every aspect of the business. The partnership is highlighted by Hannaford’s efforts to support the community with the “Hannaford To Go Kids Corner.” At each Mariners home game, Hannaford will donate 50 tickets to local youth and charitable organizations.

“Hannaford is excited to team up with the Maine Mariners this season as their loyal fans make their way back into the stadium,” said Jess Joyce, Regional Marketing Specialist for Hannaford. “Families and friends will finally enjoy reconnecting to do more of the things they love, and we are proud to further our community support efforts through our partnership.”

GET YOUR TICKETS

The ECHL is currently playing the 2020-21 season, with 14 teams participating and 12 having opted out, including the entire North Division. The regular season is slated to end on June 5^th, with the 2021 Kelly Cup awarded by July 3^rd.

Fans can put down $50 on full-season tickets for the 2021-22 season here. Half season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans are also available for purchase, starting at $170. Single-game and group ticket information will be available in the coming months. More information on current ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or visiting MarinersOfMaine.com.

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Ellsworth Fire Captain becomes the second recipient of memorial award

BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners

PORTLAND, ME – April 2^nd, 2021 – Ellsworth Fire Captain Robert (Bobby) Dorr has been named the 2021 Captain Joel Barnes Community Service Award winner. Dorr becomes the second recipient of the award, created in honor of heroic Berwick Fire Captain Joel Barnes, who lost his life in the line of duty in March of 2019.

The Mariners began accepting nominations last fall for the second annual award winner. They’re seeking active or recently retired Fire and EMS responders in the state of Maine with three or more years of service who “demonstrate outstanding professionalism and service to their community, and a commitment to promoting life safety education.”

WHO DECIDED

A committee made up of Mariners employees, Teamsters Local 340, and last year’s award winner, Matt St. Pierre of the Hampden Fire Department, narrowed it down to three finalists: Bobby Dorr, Mike Norton (South Portland Professional Firefighters), and Troy Cailler (Sabattus Fire Department).

Dorr is a member of the Ellsworth Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 3402, where he is the lead instructor for the Hancock County Fire Academy. In January of 2020, Dorr was diagnosed with cancer but continues to serve as interim assistant chief. His diagnosis inspired the creation of the “FireFIGHTer 204” fundraiser, which intends to purchase particulate flash hoods for firefighters in Hancock County and beyond. Dorr has also been named Ellsworth Fire Department’s “Firefighter of the Year” three times.

“I am honored to have been nominated and selected to receive the 2021 Captain Joel Barnes award,” said Dorr. “To be held in the same category as such a great man is very humbling for me.  I will do my very best to continue to earn this award throughout my career.”

The Mariners plan to formally present Dorr with the award at a home game in the fall, recognizing all three finalists.

REACTION

“It is important for our organization to continue recognizing local first responders and keeping the memory of Captain Barnes alive,” said Adam Goldberg, Mariners Vice President of Business Operations. “All of the award submissions highlighted amazing people that deserve recognition. Mr. Dorr is someone that makes the community proud and safe. I look forward to giving him proper recognition at an upcoming Mariners game as the 2^nd winner of this community service award.”

Captain Joel Barnes was just 32 years old when he succumbed to his injuries on March 1^st, 2019, after fighting a fire in Berwick and saving a fellow firefighter’s life. A public memorial service was held one week later at the Cross Insurance Arena, with over 7,000 attendees. Barnes had served with the Berwick Fire Department for two years and was the Department’s Training Safety Officer. The Captain Joel Barnes Community Service award was created in his memory the following fall. It was first awarded to Hampden firefighter Matt St. Pierre at a Mariners game on the first anniversary of Barnes’ death.

Hannaford presents the 2021-22 Mariners season To Go and will begin on October 22^nd, with the home opener against the Worcester Railers, presented by Skowhegan Savings. Fans can put down a deposit of $50 on full-season tickets for the 2021-22 season here. Half season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans are also available for purchase, starting at $170. Single-game and group ticket information will be available in the coming months, as well as a full schedule. More information on ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.com.

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BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners

PORTLAND, ME – March 17^th, 2021 – “Toss a Tomato, Win Some Dough” has been a popular staple at Maine Mariners home games through the first two seasons of operation. Despite not playing a 2020-21 season, the Mariners revived the “tomato drop” game virtually from the Cross Insurance Arena’s rafters.

Evergreen Credit Union is sponsoring the “virtual tomato drop,” which will occur on a date sometime in early April. As is the case at Mariners’ home games, fans can purchase one tomato [stress ball] for $1 or six for $5. Sales are taking place at MarinersOfMaine.com/shop. Tomatoes “ID numbers” will then be assigned based on the number of tomatoes purchased by a given individual.

The tomatoes will be dumped, all at once, from the Cross Insurance Arena’s rafters, directly above “center ice,” where the target will be placed, as usual. The grand prize will be 50% of the money collected, along with a 7-day luxury hotel stay from Steele Hill Vacation Club to Orlando, FL or Las Vegas, NV, not including travel costs. Additional prizes from the Mariners include Jersey Mike’s Subs, Three Dollar Deweys, and R.E.D.D., and protein bars will also be given away.

Net proceeds from the virtual tomato drop will be donated to Good Shepherd Food Bank. A promotional video is available for the virtual tomato toss for fans to view here.

Hannaford presents the 2021-22 Mariners season To Go and will begin with the home opener on October 22^nd at the Cross Insurance Arena against the Worcester Railers. Fans can put down a $50 deposit on full-season tickets for the 2021-22 season here. Half season, 12-game mini-plans, and 10-ticket flex plans are also available for purchase, starting at $170. Single-game and group ticket information will be available in the coming months, as well as a complete 2021-22 schedule. More information on ticketing options is available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, emailing mariners-sales@comcastspectacor.com, or by visiting MarinersOfMaine.com.

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