By: Jake Ferraro | Follow me on Twitter/X @18Jxxx18
Last week, the Maine Mariners were busy, signing forward Ryan Francis and signing head coach Rick Kowalsky to a three-year contract extension. Today, the Mariners made another move to keep themselves busy this offseason by re-signing defenseman Michael Underwood for the upcoming 2026-27 ECHL season.
This season will be Underwood’s third season in Maine after playing three games for the Utah Grizzlies during the 2023-24 season. Underwood, 28, is a native of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. After a struggling 2024-25 season for the Mariners, Underwood had a huge bounce-back season last season, playing 36 games and recording seven assists and a +17 rating, both career highs. Underwood’s +17 rating was the second-highest among Maine defensemen last season.
Underwood’s game improved for the Mariners during the 2026 Kelly Cup Playoffs, in which he recorded three points and a +5 rating while playing in all 14 games. Underwood’s three points were tied for second among Maine defensemen during the playoffs. During Game 6 of the Mariners’ North Division Final series against the Wheeling Nailers, Underwood got a huge monkey off his back when he scored his first career ECHL goal to tie the game with under 12 minutes remaining in regulation.
In his ECHL career, Underwood has recorded 13 assists in 106 games. As a Mariner, Underwood has recorded 12 assists in 103 games. Now, Underwood is eager for another improving season in Maine.
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