By: Ryan Finch | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanFinch0815
The Maine Mariners have added another intriguing piece to their roster for the 2026-27 season, officially signing forward Jack Works. After acquiring his ECHL rights from the Wheeling Nailers earlier this summer, the Mariners have now secured the 25-year-old forward, adding a player whose combination of championship experience, leadership, and untapped offensive potential makes him an exciting addition to Rick Kowalsky’s lineup.
Works arrives in Portland entering just his second full professional season, but his hockey résumé extends well beyond his ECHL experience. A native of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Works spent five seasons in the NCAA, beginning his collegiate career at the University of Denver before transferring to Michigan Tech for his final three seasons. During his time at Denver, he was part of the Pioneers’ 2022 NCAA National Championship team, gaining invaluable experience on one of college hockey’s biggest stages. At Michigan Tech, he continued to develop into a dependable two-way forward and was rewarded by being named team captain during the 2024-25 season.
After turning professional late in the 2024-25 season, Works joined the Wheeling Nailers before beginning his first full ECHL campaign in 2025-26. In 57 regular-season games, he recorded nine goals and four assists for 13 points while bringing a physical, hard-working style to the lineup. He also appeared in four Kelly Cup Playoff games, including Games 4 and 5 of the North Division Finals against the Mariners, giving him a firsthand look at the atmosphere inside Cross Insurance Arena and the culture Maine built during its historic postseason run. Across his ECHL career, Works has appeared in 71 regular-season games, totaling nine goals, seven assists, and 16 points.
Although his offensive numbers don’t tell the entire story, Works has consistently earned praise for the details of his game. His willingness to battle along the boards, forecheck relentlessly, and play responsibly in all three zones made him a trusted player throughout his collegiate career and helped him carve out a regular role in Wheeling as a rookie.
For the Mariners, this signing is about far more than adding another forward. Throughout the offseason, Maine has seen several key offensive players move on to opportunities in Europe and the American Hockey League. Bringing in Works gives the organization another young player with room to grow under Rick Kowalsky’s system while adding someone who already understands the demands of playoff hockey and the expectations of a winning culture.
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Works’ game is the upside he possesses. Many players make their biggest leap between their first and second professional seasons, and the Mariners believe he has the tools to become a dependable contributor. His speed, work ethic, and leadership qualities fit the identity Kowalsky has worked to establish in Portland, making him a natural fit for the organization’s long-term vision.
Jack Works may still be early in his professional career, but he arrives in Maine with the experience of winning a national championship, serving as a collegiate captain, and competing in the ECHL playoffs. Those experiences have prepared him for the next challenge, and the Mariners are hoping that challenge results in a breakout season. If Works continues to develop the way he has throughout his career, Maine may have found another valuable piece in its pursuit of a Kelly Cup championship.
Leave a Reply