The Maine Mariners [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/mariners-goldberg-named-echl-executive-of-the-year]made their first player signing for the 2025-26 season, bringing back forward Wyllum Deveaux for his third season. The Nova Scotia native was named Mariners captain midway through last season. Returning for his second full season as a pro in 2024-25, Deveaux picked up where he left off after a productive rookie campaign. He finished third on the team with 19 goals last season, and tied for fifth in points, with 31. He was also the team leader in power play goals with eight. Deveaux, who will turn 25 in August, was named captain on Jan. 23 after beginning the season as one of three alternate captains. He followed Zach Tolkinen and Connor Doherty to become the third player in team history to wear the “C.” The Sackville, NS native was originally signed as a free agent prior to the 2023-24 season, having played just three pro games with the Wheeling Nailers [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/community/latest-news/nailers-help-out-with-flood-relief]the year before. Deveaux played NCAA [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa/]Division I college hockey for Harvard University from 2018-23. Deveaux has also been a strong presence in the community. For the second year in a row, he was named the winner of the team’s “Community Service Award,” for his work in the community, sharing the honor with Matthew Philip. “I’m excited to get back in front of the fans in Portland,” Deveaux said in a statement. “It’s so special every game being out in front of the passion that the fans bring every night. We try to match that on the ice and we’re going to continue to build off that last half of [last] year. There’s a lot of hunger coming back in that locker room and we’re just excited to get going.” The Mariners' 2025-26 season presented by Hannaford to Go, begins on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Worcester against the Railers. Their Home Opener is against the Reading Royals on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3 Pm. (Photo Courtesy of the Maine Mariners)
