A lifelong hockey fan who grew up watching the original Maine Mariners,Dexter Paine is now the team's new owner.
The Maine Mariners have new ownership, just in time for training camp opening next week.
The club announced that Dexter Paine has completed his previously announced acquisition of the team from Comcast Spectacor. The acquisition was also approved by the ECHL Board of Governors at its annual preseason meeting.
The move is a dream come true for Paine, a lifelong Boston Bruins fan who grew up watching the original Maine Mariners, the AHL franchise that was Portland's first professional hockey team. The AHL’s Mariners played at the Cross Insurance Arena (then the Cumberland County Civic Center) from 1977-1992.
“I have fond memories of going to the games and look forward to making sure our incredible fans feel that same magic,” Paine said in a statement following the announcement. “With training camp set to open next week, I am excited to support our dedicated and talented staff, coaches and players as we begin the journey to bring the Kelly Cup to Portland, where it belongs.”
A native of North Conway, New Hampshire, Paine has an extensive sports background that goes beyond hockey. Since 2021, he has served as a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Board of Directors and is on both the boards of US Biathlon and United States Ski and Snowboard. He was actively involved in the successful Salt Lake City 2034 Olympic Winter Games bid, and currently serves as a member of the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) Council.
Paine is also the Co-founder and Chairman of Paine Schwartz Partners, a private equity firm specializing in sustainable food chain investing.
Under the new ownership structure, Paine will serve as Governor of the Maine Mariners, Adam Goldberg will be promoted from President to CEO and Alternate Governor, and Terrence Wallin will continue in his roles as Head Coach and General Manager.
"The ECHL is thrilled to welcome Dexter Paine to the League with his acquisition of the Maine Mariners as approved by our Board of Governors," said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. "Dexter brings a wealth of business and sports experience to the League through his previous endeavors, but more importantly, a passion for hockey in the New England area which will help the Mariners grow and thrive even further. On behalf of the League, I'd like to thank everyone at Comcast Spectacor for their ownership and original vision to bring the ECHL to Maine, to ensure that Portland and the surrounding communities had a professional hockey team in the market to call their own."
With new ownership in place, the Mariners can now focus on preparing for the upcoming season. The team is set to open training camp for 2024-25 Monday, October 7.