By: Ryan Finch | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanFinch0815
When you look back many years later, what do you think you’ll remember most about being a Maine Mariner? “I think I’m going to remember all of the memories and special moments I was a part of off the ice,” Lamppa said. “All of the amazing dinners, the team gatherings, and all of the incredible scenery I was lucky enough to experience around Portland — including Two Lights State Park, where I proposed!”
For many Maine Mariners fans, Xander Lamppa became much more than just a player on the ice. He quickly became one of the biggest fan favorites in recent years. Whenever Lamppa found the back of the net, the crowd would erupt with the familiar chant: “Light the Lamppa!” Lamppa joined the Mariners in 2024 after finishing his college career at Penn State, making the transition into professional hockey. When asked to describe his time in Maine with one word, Lamppa chose “growth.”
“I came here directly from college, where at Penn State they kind of held your hand through everything,” Lamppa explained. “It was really nice to be so independent and experience pro hockey in general. The opportunity that the Maine Mariners gave me was something my fiancée and I wanted to absolutely make the most of. Throughout my two and a half years with the Mariners, I grew so much as a person, a player, and a partner.”
When Lamppa first arrived in Maine, he admitted that he did not know much about the organization. However, that did not stop him from doing his homework and reaching out to people who had experience with the Mariners. When asked what his initial thoughts were of the team and organization, Lamppa explained that the feedback he received from others played a major role in his decision.
“At the time, I didn’t know much about the team, the staff, or the entire organization as a whole, honestly,” Lamppa said. “However, people I talked to who had played against Maine or played for the Mariners all had amazing things to say about the community, the city, and the way players are treated. That was enough convincing for me.” Those early conversations helped Lamppa understand what made Maine different and gave him confidence that he was joining an organization where he could grow both on and off the ice.
During his time in Maine, Lamppa had the opportunity to share the locker room with many different Mariners teammates who helped shape his experience with the organization. When asked which teammates left the biggest impact on him, Lamppa found it difficult to narrow the list down.
“There are definitely a few guys who fit this bill,” Lamppa said. “This year especially, we had such a great group of individuals. Guys that come to mind are Jacob Hudson, William Deveaux, Robert Cronin, Lynden MacCallum, Zachary Massicotte, Brad Arvanitis, and Andrew Nielson — the list goes on. I could name the whole roster from this year, seriously.”
For Lamppa, his time in Maine was about more than just the games played or the statistics recorded. The relationships built inside the locker room became one of the biggest parts of his Mariners experience, and the teammates he shared the ice with helped make his time in Portland memorable.
“It starts with recruiting. I know Rick Kowalsky made sure the guys coming in were good on the ice, but also good people off the ice,” Lamppa said when describing the culture inside the Mariners locker room.
“Then I would say it trickled down from our leadership group. Guys like Deveaux and Hudson setting a good example and letting the rest of the team run with that hard-working mindset — earned, not given, team-first mentality.”
Being a Maine Mariner also meant being part of some intense rivalries throughout the season. When asked which opponent always brought out an extra level of competitiveness, Lamppa didn’t hesitate with his answer.
“Adirondack,” Lamppa said. “It feels like in my three years with Maine, I played those guys 40 times — maybe more. Their rink always sucked to play in as well. We always had a tough rivalry with them, and it was easier to get fired up for those games.” The rivalry with Adirondack quickly became one of the more memorable matchups during Lamppa’s time in Maine, creating the type of competitive atmosphere that players and fans look forward to throughout the season.
Even with the intense rivalries throughout the league, Lamppa’s time in Maine was filled with plenty of memorable moments. When asked about his favorite memory as a Mariner, his answer came from one of his most recent experiences.
“Probably my shootout goal winner against the Florida Everblades this past year,” Lamppa said. “I haven’t had many opportunities to walk a game off, and my entire family was in the crowd for it as well. Definitely really special.”
For Lamppa, the moment was about more than just scoring a game-winning goal. It was a memory shared with the people closest to him, making it a moment he will carry with him long after his time in Maine comes to an end.
While losing a player and fan favorite like Xander Lamppa is difficult for the Maine Mariners, it is impossible not to be excited for what comes next in his career with the Fife Flyers. Throughout his two and a half seasons in Maine, Lamppa represented everything the organization hopes a Mariner can be — a dedicated teammate, a hard-working player, and someone who embraced the community around him. Before beginning his next chapter overseas, Lamppa had one final message for the Mariners’ incredible fan base.
“I absolutely loved Portland and the rest of Maine,” Lamppa said. “I was there for two and a half years and lived in three different areas around Portland. My fiancée and I feel like we’ve eaten at 30-plus amazing restaurants in our time here, along with exploring all of the scenic areas south of Portland.”
“The fans were amazing too. I remember so many times, especially this most recent year, when I was surprised how packed it was because it was a Sunday or weekday game. It made every game feel so important. I also feel so blessed to have had all the great coaches and staff members during my time here. They did a great job recruiting unreal guys, especially this past year.”
“We had a special group of guys, and I think our fans could see it by how much fun we were having on the ice. We’re going to miss this place, the people, and Cross Insurance Arena. But it is time for my fiancée and me to start a new challenge. I have signed with Fife, Scotland, and we are extremely excited.”
As Lamppa leaves Maine, he leaves behind more than goals, assists, and memories on the ice. He leaves behind a connection with a fan base that embraced him from the moment he arrived — and a reminder of what makes the Maine Mariners community so special.
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