Boston Bruins extend affiliation with ECHL's Maine Mariners

Maine Mariners ice hockey action photo of two team members playing defense in front of the goal with an opponent.

Photo / Jim Neuger The Boston Bruins hockey team has extended its affiliation with the Maine Mariners through the 2027-2028 season. In this photo taken on April 2, 2023, Mariners Goalie Francois Brassard and defender Gabriel Chicoine (No.. 3) play defense in a 5-2 victory over the Tulsa (Okla.) Oilers at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.

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By Renee Cordes

With less than six weeks until the start of hockey season in Maine, the Boston Bruins have extended their affiliation agreement with the Maine Mariners through the 2027-2028 season.

“Our relationship with the Bruins has continued to grow, and it means a lot to the product on the ice as well as the fanbase in the area," Maine Mariners CEO Adam Goldberg told Mainebiz. "It became immediately clear when I moved here that Maine is Bruins country, and we are incredibly grateful to be a part of the Bruins family."

The Mainers employ 16 front-office staff members and five in hockey operations. Staff members include a new head coach, video coach, merchandise coordinator and game operations coordinator, Goldberg said.

The Mariners began their partnership with Boston and Providence in 2021, leading into Maine’s third season with the minor-league ECHL. The Providence (R.I.) Bruins are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Bruins, who play in the National Hockey League.

The 2025-26 season marks year five of the Bruins-Mariners affiliation and starts the clock on a new three-year extension.

Dexter Paine, a North Conway, N.H., native and New York financier who bought the Mariners last year, called the extension an important step for the franchise.

“Stabilizing and growing the partnership with both Boston and Providence was a priority of mine after purchasing the team last fall,” he said.

Evan Gold, general manager for Providence and assistant general manager for Boston, said that the Bruins "are excited to continue working with the Mariners to prepare our prospects for the next levels.”

The Maine-Boston affiliation dates back to late 1980s and early 1990s, when the AHL’s Maine Mariners served as Bruins affiliates for five seasons before the team relocated to Providence in 1992. Today’s Maine Mariners, who frequently don Bruins’ black and gold uniforms, first hit the ice in 2018 along with mascot Beacon the Puffin.

Portland puck drop

The Mariners' 2025-26 season starts Saturday, Oct. 18, in Worcester, Mass., against the Railers. The home opener against the Reading (Pa.) Royals is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.

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