The 28-year-old blueliner will play for the Maine Mariners after a year in Hungary.
The Maine Mariners added to their defensive corps with the signing of Pickering, Ontario native Justin Bean.
The 28-year-old Bean played last season in Hungary but previously spent time with the Cincinnati Cyclones, Wichita Thunder and Tulsa Oilers.
Bean made his ECHL debut with the Cyclones in January 2022. After being dealt to Wichita, he finished that season with the Thunder before spending the entire 2022-23 season with the Oilers.
During his lone season in Tulsa, Bean recorded four goals and 20 assists for 24 points in 71 games and was named Defensive Player of the Year. This past season, he played for DVTK Jegesmedvek in Hungary, where he collected 13 points (4-9-13) in 31 games. He also dished out five points in six playoff games.
At 6-foot-2, Bean should give the Mariners a physical presence on the blue line, along with an ability to score. He can also contribute on the power play, having scored three of his four goals with the man advantage during his season in Tulsa.
Bean is somewhat familiar with Portland, Maine, having played there on a couple of occasions with the Oilers.
"I'm looking forward to calling it home for this season," Bean said following the club's announcement of his signing. "It seems like a real hockey city and I've heard nothing but good things about the fanbase."
As of Wednesday, the Mariners have signed eleven players to the roster for the 2024-25 season, which kicks off October 18 with the home opener against the Wheeling Nailers, presented by Evergreen Credit Union.