PORTLAND, ME – July 12, 2023 – The Mariners announced their third player signing for 2023-24 on Wednesday, bringing back forward Austin Albrecht. A mid-season acquisition in 2022-23, Albrecht played a key role in the Mariners success down the stretch.
The Mariners initially signed Albrecht in February 2023, as he joined his fourth organization of the season. It was Albrecht’s second ECHL team, playing four previous games with the Indy Fuel. He also split time in 2022-23 between two Southern Professional Hockey League squads – the Fayetteville Marksmen and Vermillion County Bobcats.
With the Mariners, Albrecht appeared in 25 games, scoring seven goals and adding nine assists. He scored a goal in his Mariners debut on February 17th against Trois-Rivieres, and also skated in one playoff game. Since the Mariners season ended, Albrecht has been playing for the CBR Brave of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). The AIHL season runs from mid-April to mid-August.
A native of Flemington, NJ, Albrecht played collegiately for the University of Massachusetts and American International College. Most of his junior hockey career was spent in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with the Wichita Falls Wildcats. He was named to the NAHL All-South Division Team and Robertson Cup All-Tournament Team in 2015-16, when he finished seventh in the league in scoring – posting 60 points in 58 games.
In addition to the Mariners and Fuel, Albrecht has seen ECHL action with the Wichita Thunder. In addition to Australia, he’s also played professionally overseas in Germany and the United Kingdom.
“I can’t wait to be back in Portland and play in front of the best fans in the league,” said Albrecht. “Last year I got a taste of Maine and the city of Portland and I can’t wait to be back – this time to finish the job.”
The Mariners kick off their fifth ECHL season on October 20th, 2023 in Trois-Rivieres, QC against the Trois-Rivieres Lions, with the home opener on Saturday, October 21st at 6 PM, also against the Lions, presented by Evergreen Credit Union. The full schedule for the 2023-24 season, presented by Hannaford to Go, can be viewed here. Full and half season packages plus 12-game plans are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Prospective package holders can also put down a deposit or fill out an inquiry form at MarinersOfMaine.com. Single game tickets will go on sale in September.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers