Maine Mariners Conclude Preseason Training Camp

The Portland-based ECHL team finalizes its roster after wrapping up practice sessions at Troubh Ice Arena.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Hockey

Maine Mariners Conclude Preseason Training Camp

Live Poll

Do you believe your local professional minor league team is positioned to win a championship?

The Maine Mariners have concluded their ECHL training camp, moving forward with a roster of 25 to 26 players. The team aims to secure a Kelly Cup championship following their appearance in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.

Why it matters

A shortened NHL preseason this year allowed players to join minor league squads faster, enabling the Mariners to build a more complete roster earlier than in previous years.

The camp roster featured 25 to 26 players, including defenseman Connor Doherty, who brings experience from 20 playoff games. Goaltender Luke Cavallin enters the season with a 2.02 goals-against average maintained over 10 playoff appearances last year.

The players

Maine Mariners

The Maine Mariners are a professional ice hockey team based in Portland, Maine, that competes in the ECHL as an affiliate of the Boston Bruins.

Connor Doherty

Connor Doherty is a 33-year-old defenseman who recently returned to the Mariners after winning the Kelly Cup with the Florida Everblades.

Rick Kowalsky

Rick Kowalsky serves as the head coach for the Maine Mariners and is responsible for team development and tactical implementation.

Luke Cavallin

Luke Cavallin is a goaltender for the Maine Mariners who posted a 2.02 goals-against average during the team's postseason run last year.

Wyllum Deveaux

Wyllum Deveaux has served as the captain of the Maine Mariners since January 2025.

The details

The team focused on implementing new systems during exhibition gameplay, prioritizing recruits who demonstrate winning character and leadership qualities. Management confirmed the re-signing of veteran defenseman Connor Doherty to bolster the defensive core for the upcoming championship push.

Timeline

  1. October 2026: The Maine Mariners held their annual training camp.

  2. October 12, 2026: Head coach Rick Kowalsky conducted practice sessions at Troubh Ice Arena.

Season Trajectory

The Mariners are leveraging their recent momentum from the 2026 ECHL Eastern Conference semifinals to finalize a competitive roster. This tactical approach directly impacts their standing as they pursue a Kelly Cup championship for the upcoming season.

With the 25 to 26-man roster now set, the team will begin utilizing its new systems in regular-season play. Fans can track the impact of the defensive additions, including the veteran presence of 33-year-old Connor Doherty, on upcoming game results.

The takeaway

The team is aggressively pursuing a Kelly Cup championship by prioritizing veteran leadership and established defensive talent. Local fans should expect a more prepared roster at the start of the season compared to previous years.

Further reading

For more updates on the upcoming season, follow our coverage of Hockey.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Portland Press Herald.

Live Poll

Do you believe your local professional minor league team is positioned to win a championship?