MARINERS SIGN SUPINSKI

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Photo credit: Clara Iodice/Union College Athletics

PORTLAND, ME – July 30, 2019 – The Mariners have signed forward Brett Supinski to a standard player contract, the team announced on Tuesday. Supinski will be a rookie in 2019-20, but played two games in the AHL with the Ontario Reign at the end of last season.

Supinski is a 6’0, 175-pound forward from Collegeville, PA. He finished up his NCAA career last season with Union College (Schenectady, NY), where he averaged 27 points over four seasons. In his sophomore season of 2016-17, Supinski put up 36 points (8 goals, 28 assists) in 37 games, his best year of the four. Supinski was more of a playmaker than a goal scorer in college, with 73 of his 108 career points being assists. He was named to the ECAC All-Academic Team all four seasons.

“Brett put up great numbers during his college career. Hopefully he can continue that at the pro level,” said Mariners head coach Riley Armstrong. “I think playing a couple game at the end of last season in the AHL will help lots with his confidence heading into his rookie season.”

Supinski, who will turn 24 on Sunday, signed with the Ontario Reign in late March 2019 and played in two games, not registering a point.

By far the best season of Supinski’s career came in 2014-15, his only year in the British Columbia Hockey League. That season with the Coquitlam Express, he registered 98 points (48 goals, 50 assists) in 58 games, plus another seven points in five playoff games. He ranked second in the BCHL in points and goals, and was named Rookie of the Year and a First Team All-Star.

Before Coquitlam, Supinski played for the Philadephia Jr. Flyers U18 (T1EHL), where he was a teammate of Mariners forward Nick Master. He also played two seasons at Millbrook School preparatory, after one at La Salle College High.

Supinski becomes the 15th player under contract for the 2019-20 season. Click here to view the full roster.

The second season of Maine Mariners ECHL hockey kicks off October 11th at home when the Adirondack Thunder visit the Cross Insurance Arena for a 7:15 PM faceoff. Full and half season plans along with 12-game mini plans and group tickets are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale September 16th.

MARINERS TO HOST WORCESTER IN PRESEASON AT EXETER

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PORTLAND, ME – July 26, 2019 – The Maine Mariners and Worcester Railers will play 18 times during the 2019-20 regular season – a quarter of each other’s schedule. Today, it was announced that they’ll add at least one more meeting to their calendar, with a preseason exhibition contest on Saturday, October 5th at The Rinks at Exeter in Exeter, New Hampshire.

The Mariners will serve as the host team for the game, which will begin at 4:30 PM. Admission will be free, with select Mariners merchandise available for purchase. There will also be an informational table for 2019-20 ticket plans.

The Rinks at Exeter was host to the first two franchise preseason games in 2018-19, when the Mariners played Worcester as well as the Manchester Monarchs. Game five of the 2019 North Division Finals between the Monarchs and the Newfoundland Growlers was also played there in May.

The Mariners found great success against their New England rivals from Worcester in their inaugural season, posting a 10-4-0-0 record in the 14 head-to-head meetings. The two teams played mostly close games, however, with six of the Mariners ten victories coming in either overtime or a shootout. All but one meeting was decided by either one or two goals. The Mariners also won eight of the final nine meetings of the season. Worcester finished the 2018-19 season with a 32-29-7-4 record, finishing last place in an ultra-competitive North Division.

The 2019-20 regular season schedule features 18 head-to-head matchups between the two teams – nine in each city. That number is tied for the most meetings between the Mariners and a given opponent, with the Adirondack Thunder also on the schedule 18 times. The full regular season schedule can be found here.

The regular season kicks off October 11th at home against Adirondack at the Cross Insurance Arena with a 7:15 PM faceoff. Full and half season plans along with 12-game mini plans and group tickets are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale September 16th.

MARINERS RE-SIGN ALEX KILE

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PORTLAND, ME – July 19, 2019 – On June 22nd, 2018, Alex Kile signed a contract to become the first player in Maine Mariners ECHL history. Just over a year later, the 25-year-old forward has re-signed in Maine. Kile spend most of the 2018-19 in the AHL, but remained under contract with the Mariners for the entirety of the season. He was one of six players to which the Mariners issued a qualifying offer on July 1st.

After a strong first season in the ECHL with the Cincinnati Cyclones in 2017-18, Kile burst onto the scene in Maine, scoring six goals in the first seven games of the season and registering at least one point in all but one of the Mariners’ October contests. He quickly became a fan favorite with four goals in the first three home games. In his time with the Mariners, Kile also posted three multi-goal games.

After scoring his 7th goal in just his 10th game, he was loaned to the AHL’s Utica Comets on November 10th. He appeared in four games for Utica before being returned, and immediately picking up where he left off, earning a second AHL chance with the Hartford Wolf Pack. After scoring one goal in two games for Hartford, Kile was once again returned to Maine. Just after the calendar turned to 2019, Kile was once again summoned to the AHL, by the Laval Rocket. He would spend the remainder of the season there. In 33 games for Laval, Kile scored five goals, adding two assists.

“I’m excited to get back to Portland and continue to establish the Mariners as a top team in the league,” said Kile. “We have a culture where none of us are satisfied to be in the ECHL and I believe that helps get the best out of all of us.”

Kile is from Troy, MI and played college hockey for the University of Michigan, captaining the team in his senior season of 2016-17. He played 12 AHL games with the Rochester Americans between the 2016-17 and 17-18 seasons, before being assigned to ECHL Cincinnati. He signed with the Mariners in late June 2018 and totaled 20 points (13 goals, 7 assists) in 22 games, before his long term stint with Laval.

The second season of Maine Mariners ECHL hockey kicks off October 11th at home when the Adirondack Thunder visit the Cross Insurance Arena for a 7:15 PM faceoff. Full and half season plans along with 12-game mini plans and group tickets are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale September 16th.

MARINERS ADD FREE AGENT DEFENSEMAN CREVIER-MORIN

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PORTLAND, ME – July 17, 2019 – The Mariners and free agent defenseman Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin have agreed to a contract, the team announced on Wednesday. Crevier-Morin had spent the first two seasons of his professional career with the Wichita Thunder.

Crevier-Morin (6’2, 200 lbs) is 23-years-old and is a native of Chateauguay, Quebec. Prior to turning pro, he played for four seasons with the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques. For part of one season (2014-15) he was a teammate of goaltender Francois Brassard. Crevier-Morin was very productive offensively in his final two QMJHL seasons, with 40 points (11 goals, 29 assists) between his 2015-16 and 16-17 campaigns. He served as Captain in 2016-17 and led the team in penalty minutes (110).

As a rookie for Wichita in 2017-18, Crevier-Morin found the net in his first professional game, scoring the Thunder’s first goal of the season on October 14th, 2017 against Indy. He finished his first ECHL season with two goals and 17 assists in 68 games. This past season, he scored one goal, adding eight assists in 56 games.

“With two years pro under his belt, he will be a big part in our locker room and also on the ice,” said Mariners head coach Riley Armstrong. “He will also help with our penalty kill.”

Although strong at points during the season, the Mariners penalty kill finished 25th out of 27 teams in 2018-19.

Crevier-Morin makes it six Mariners defensemen under contract for 2019-20, joining Josh Couturier, Derek Pratt, Richie Boyd, Garrett Cecere, and Gabriel Sylvestre. To see the full 2019-20 roster so far, click here.

The second season of Maine Mariners ECHL hockey kicks off October 11th at home when the Adirondack Thunder visit the Cross Insurance Arena for a 7:15 PM faceoff. Full and half season plans along with 12-game mini plans and group tickets are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale September 16th.

MARINERS SIGN GABRIEL SYLVESTRE

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PORTLAND, ME – July 15, 2019 – The Mariners announced the signing of defenseman Gabriel Sylvestre on Monday. A rookie blue liner from Laval, Quebec, Sylvestre brings extensive QMJHL experience into the fold, as well as size, standing 6’4, 194 pounds.

Sylvestre, 21 years old, has played in the QMJHL for five seasons. At age 15, he began his career in “the Q” with the Shawinigan Cataractes in 2014-15. Suiting up in 56 games, he had a goal and six assists, plus 69 penalty minutes. Sylvestre increased his production over the next three seasons with Shawinigan, registering 13 points in 2015-16 and again in 2016-17. By 2017-18, he was a Captain for the Cataractes, and had already matched a career high in points, when he was traded midseason to the Moncton Wildcats.

The 2017-18 season was Sylvestre’s breakout offensively, as he finished with eight goals and 11 assists in 60 games between the two teams. He had never scored more than one goal in a season, prior. Last season, fully in Moncton, he hit a career high with 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) in 64 games. Sylvestre is accustomed to postseason play as well, appearing in the playoffs in all five of his QMJHL campaigns.

“Sylvestre is a young D coming out of major junior,” said Mariners head coach Riley Armstrong. “It’s always good to have young players to continue to develop and get ready for the AHL.”

Sylvestre will complete for a spot on an already busy Mariners blue line, which features Josh Couturier, Derek Pratt, Richie Boyd, and Garrett Cecere, all re-signed to contracts and returning for their second seasons in Maine. To see the full 2019-20 roster so far, click here.

The second season of Maine Mariners ECHL hockey kicks off October 11th at home when the Adirondack Thunder visit the Cross Insurance Arena for a 7:15 PM faceoff. Full and half season plans along with 12-game mini plans and group tickets are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale September 16th.

MARINERS BRING BACK CAMMARATA

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PORTLAND, ME – July 12, 2019 – Taylor Cammarata played for three different ECHL teams in 2018-19, but ultimately found a home in Maine. On Friday, the Mariners announced the re-signing of their inaugural season’s leading scorer.

A second year pro from Plymouth, MN, Cammarata spent time in Norfolk, Wichita, and Maine in 2018-19. The speedy forward was traded twice – from the Admirals to the Thunder on January 25th, and then to the Mariners on February 19th, in a deal that saw Jason Salvaggio head to Wichita. In a total of 73 games between the three teams, Cammarata put up 56 points (24 goals, 32 assists) to lead all Mariners scorers.

In Maine alone, Cammarata had 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in 21 games. He finished the season red hot, scoring seven goals in his last five games, sparked by a hat trick against Adirondack on March 31st. He ended the year on a five game point streak as well as a three game goal streak.

Cammarata’s professional career began in 2017-18 when he played for the South Carolina Stingrays. He finished the season with 30 points in 42 games and was an ECHL All-Star, winning MVP of the 2018 All-Star Classic. An alumnus of the University of Minnesota, Cammarata racked up the accolades in junior hockey as well, including being named “USA Hockey Player of the Year” and “USHL Player of the Year” in 2012-13, when he registered 93 points in in 59 games for the Waterloo Black Hawks. He was the USHL’s Rookie of the Year the season prior.

Now 24-years-old, Cammarata was chosen in the 3rd round of the 2013 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders, pick #76 overall.

“I’m very excited about being back in Portland,” said Cammarata. “I really enjoyed finishing out the season there last year, getting a small taste of a great organization and community. I look forward to bringing my offensive playmaking ability to help the team this season.”

The second season of Maine Mariners ECHL hockey kicks off October 11th at home when the Adirondack Thunder visit the Cross Insurance Arena for a 7:15 PM faceoff. Full and half season plans along with 12-game mini plans and group tickets are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale September 16th.

GARRETT CECERE RETURNS TO MARINERS

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PORTLAND, ME – July 10, 2019 – The Mariners announced another re-signing on Wednesday, bringing back defenseman Garrett Cecere. One of four players to spend the entirety of the 2018-19 season in Maine, Cecere becomes the fourth Mariners defenseman to re-sign, along with Josh Couturier, Derek Pratt and Rich Boyd.

As a rookie, Cecere skated in 49 games for the Mariners in 2018-19, scoring one goal and adding six assists. The goal came in his second professional game on October 19th at home against the Reading Royals. In the same game, fellow rookie defenseman Derek Pratt also scored his first pro goal Although he was in and out of the lineup, Cecere joined Brycen Martin, Ryan Ferrill, and Dwyer Tschantz as the only four players to spend the entire 2018-19 season on the Mariners roster.

“I can’t wait to be back in Portland this season,” said Cecere. “Last season was a great stepping stone for myself and our team and I’m excited to be part of a solid core to help get the Mariners into the playoffs.”

The 24-year-old defenseman played two seasons for Northeastern University (Boston, MA), where he had 11 assists in 72 career games. In his senior season, Cecere was an alternate captain and finished third on the team in blocked shots, with 54. Prior to Northeastern, Cecere was at Colorado College, returning to junior hockey in the midst of his sophomore season.

Cecere was a part of three USHL organizations (Sioux Falls, Tri City, and Dubuque), as well as the Janesville Jets of the NAHL. He’s originally from West Des Moines, IA, and played for the storied Shattuck St. Mary’s Program in Minnesota prior to his junior career.

Cecere’s older brother Nick (also a defenseman), had a brief ECHL career, playing 12 games for the Alaska Aces (the former Mariners membership) in 2015-16.

The second season of Maine Mariners ECHL hockey kicks off October 11th at home when the Adirondack Thunder visit the Cross Insurance Arena for a 7:15 PM faceoff. Full and half season plans along with 12-game mini plans and group tickets are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale September 16th.

MARINERS ANNOUNCE 2019-20 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

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PORTLAND, ME – July 10, 2019 – The Mariners have released their promotional schedule for 2019-20, their second ECHL season. The Mariners have added several new and exciting promotions in addition to returning favorites from the inaugural season. Click here to view the promotional schedule web page.

Returning for the 2019-20 season is the “Family Four Pack,” this season available for Sunday home games in addition to all Saturdays. More details on the Family Four Pack, which must be purchased in advance of game day, will be released in the near future.

There are two postgame “Skate with the Team” events (November 2 and March 1). November 11 and February 1 each feature a postgame autograph session and a Kids Club only session follows on February 9. To sign your child up for Beacon’s Kids Club, which is open to fans ages 2-12 and includes other great benefits, click here.

Themes that were featured in the inaugural season and are returning for 2019-20 include Military Appreciation presented by Martin’s Point (November 9 and 11), Hockey Fights Cancer (November 16), Teddy Bear Toss presented by Holiday Inn By The Bay (December 7), EqualityMaine Pride Night (February 8), Throwback Night (March 6), Beacon’s Birthday Bash (March 14), Country Night (March 27) and Fan Appreciation presented by Redbank Village (March 29).

The Mariners released their giveaway schedule on June 28th. Eight giveaways including two kids-only giveaways are on the schedule.

The Mariners will wear six specialty jerseys in 2019-20, with more details coming later in the summer.

Highlights of new theme nights for 2019-20 include:
-New England Sports Night on October 25
-Witchcraft and Wizardry Night on November 30
-STEM Day on December 27
-Underwear Toss on February 9
-Miracle Night on February 23
-Reading Night on March 1

There are two “Threekends” on the schedule for 2019-20 (weekends with three consecutive home games): January 10-12 and February 7-9. The first series is “Winning Threekend,” which will feature prize giveaways throughout, following by “Giving Threekend,” with the spirit of generosity. Each “Threekend” is sponsored by Three Dollar Deweys.

All season long, the Mariners will collect donations at each home game as part of a new “Community Collection” initiative. In the months of October and November, they are asking for non-perishable food donations. In December and January; unused socks and underwear, and in February and March; books.

Further details and promotions will be released throughout the summer, and all are subject to change or cancellation.

The season kicks off October 11th at home when the Adirondack Thunder visit the Cross Insurance Arena for a 7:15 PM faceoff. Full and half season plans along with 12-game mini plans and group tickets are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale September 16th.

JAKE ROGERS NAMED HEAD EQUIPMENT MANAGER

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PORTLAND, ME – July 9, 2019 – The Mariners have announced that Jake Rogers has been named head equipment manager for the 2019-20 season. Rogers has been involved with Portland professional hockey since 2009 and served as assistant equipment manager under Riepe last season.

“What excites me most about this opportunity is being able to be back working in the game of hockey,” Rogers said. “When I left the sport in 2013, you never know if you’ll ever get a chance to work in sports ever again.”

Rogers, 27, has a long history of involvement with Portland’s professional sports teams. He was originally a bat boy and clubhouse attendant for the Portland Sea Dogs between the years of 2008-2010. He became involved with Portland pro hockey when he served as a locker room attendant for the Portland Pirates in the 2009-10 season. The following season he was promoted to Assistant Equipment Manager. He accepted a job with Binghamton Senators (AHL) for the 2011-12 season, but had to return to Portland to tend to his ill father. He rejoined the Pirates, but eventually had to leave hockey altogether, until the Mariners came to town last season.

“This last season with Mark [Riepe], and the rest of the Mariners staff was about all you could hope for, for someone trying to get back into doing something they love,” Rogers said. “From what started out as a volunteer role, I was lucky enough for Mark to bring me on as his assistant, and he was able to get me back up to speed on everything I had of course learned over my first six seasons doing it. Without a doubt he got me ready to be comfortable enough to take this position for the 2019-2020 season.”

“If you work hard and show that you love what you do it makes it easy to hire from within the organization,” said Mariners head coach Riley Armstrong. “Jake did that all season for us. I’m happy that Jake is back into the fold doing what he loves and would like to welcome Jake and his wife Kayla to the Mariner family.”

The second season of Maine Mariners ECHL hockey kicks off October 11th at home when the Adirondack Thunder visit the Cross Insurance Arena for a 7:15 PM faceoff. Full and half season plans along with 12-game mini plans and group tickets are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale September 16th.