Maine Mariners Will Begin Training Camp Sunday
The team will kick off its season preparations following a competitive run to the division finals last year.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Hockey
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The Maine Mariners will begin their training camp this Sunday, October 4, 2026. This start follows a previous season that saw the team win its first playoff series before a Game 7 loss to Wheeling in the division finals.
Why it matters
A successful training camp is critical as the team seeks to build upon the momentum of last year's historic playoff run. Stability is bolstered by a three-year contract extension for coach and general manager Rick Kowalsky.
The team enters camp after a previous season ending in a Game 7 loss. Coach and general manager Rick Kowalsky remains with the club under a new 3-year contract extension signed this summer.
The players
Rick Kowalsky
He serves as the coach and general manager of the Maine Mariners and recently signed a three-year contract extension.
Maine Mariners
This professional hockey team competes in the ECHL and is based at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.
The details
The Mariners hold this training camp to prepare for the upcoming schedule, which includes a preseason game at UNE. The team looks to improve upon its performance from last year, where it reached the division finals.
Timeline
Training camp begins October 4, 2026.
The first preseason game at UNE is October 9, 2026.
The season opener at Worcester is October 17, 2026.
The home opener at Cross Insurance Arena is October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The team aims to build on its deep run in the 2026 ECHL division finals to secure a stronger position in the upcoming league standings. Sustaining this momentum is key to improving upon last year's playoff exit.
The team will open its home schedule at the Cross Insurance Arena on October 24, 2026. This start date provides the official timeline for local fans to plan their attendance for the new season.
The takeaway
The organization hopes that securing leadership stability will help the team overcome last year's narrow Game 7 defeat. Supporters can anticipate a full slate of professional action beginning with the October 17 season opener.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGME.
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