Under Rick Kowalsky, the Mariners transformed from division bottom-dwellers to elite contenders, shattering franchise records and securing their first-ever playoff series win behind a dominant goaltending tandem.
Maine Mariners 2025-2026 season, pointed the franchise in a new direction.
For years, the Mariners had flirted with becoming a consistent contender in the North Division, but this season felt different almost from the opening months.
Under first-year head coach and general manager Rick Kowalsky, Maine finished with a franchise-best regular season with 42 wins and 93 points. The Mariners also finished second in the North Division, a far cry from last season, when they were at the bottom of the North. They blossomed from a competitive ECHL club into one of the Eastern Conference’s most complete teams that was deeper offensively, had a steady defense, and was more confident in those key high-pressure moments.
Becoming a legitimate contender in the North Division, especially in the second half of the season. Between February 13th and March 11th, the Mariners went on an 11-game hot streak; the Norfolk Admirals ultimately broke it on March 13th. Coach Kowalsky had offensive depth and a balanced lineup throughout. When you have players like Brooklyn Kalmikov and Max Andreev, the younger players will learn how to navigate the season. Kalmikov came out of the regular season with 21 goals and 41 assists. Andreev was on the heels of Kalmikov with 19 goals and 43 assists. Rookie Robert Cronin also contributed to the team's success, playing in all 72 regular-season games and tallying 19 goals and 37 assists.
When it comes to goaltending, Maine's was above and beyond. The tandem of Luke Cavallin and Brad Arvanitis led them through their season and playoff run. Arvanitis played in 38 games in the regular season and had a GAA of 2.17 and a .929 save percentage. Turn to Cavallin, who was on an NHL contract this season with the Boston Bruins, played in 34 games, and had a 2.35 GAA and a .917 save percentage.
Photo Credit: Maine MarinersTurning to the post-season, Maine placed second in the division and secured home-ice advantage for the first round against the Adirondack Thunder. During the first round, they were pushed to a Game 7 in a very physical series against the Thunder. For the first time in franchise history, the Mariners advanced to the North Division Finals.
Heading into round 2 against the Wheeling Nailers, they dropped the first two games against them and headed back to Portland for the third game. This is where the series took a turn. The Mariners picked up an energizing Game three, four, and five wins before heading back to Wheeling, WV, for Game Six. Mariners dropped the game in overtime, and the Nailers pushed a Game Seven. During that final game, the Nailers dominated most of the game and came out on top to send the Mariners home to Portland. Losing the series in game seven may have been a defeat, but this gave new life to a franchise's future.
The future is bright for the Mariners, whom are the ECHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins. Expectations grew, fans became more engaged throughout the entirety of the season, and simply making playoffs will not be the standard any longer. Competing for a Kelly Cup Championship will now be at the forefront.