By: Benjamin Kennedy | Follow me on Twitter / X @marinershockey1
A familiar face will be behind the ECHL Maine Mariners bench in the upcoming 2024-25 regular season, as Zach Tolkinen has been named the club’s new assistant coach. Fans will remember Zach’s playing days when he suited up for the Mariners during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. The Minnesota native appeared in 105 games over that span, tallying six goals and 25 assists.
Mariners Head Coach Terrance Wallin has gotten his guy and expressed his excitement for the addition. “I’m excited to bring ‘Tolks’ on board as the new assistant coach. He was a leader and wore the C when we played together from 2018-2020, and we’ve always had a solid relationship. It’s nice to bring a familiar face in who knows the league, has leadership qualities and, most importantly, knows the organization well.”
With captaincy experience on his resume, it is no surprise that Tolkinen brings leadership qualities back to Portland to the Mariners team. He echoed Wallin’s excitement for the return to the Mariners, stating, “Portland is a destination spot in this league with a great city, arena, and passionate fans. I’m so excited to be back with the Mariners and can’t wait to get the season going!”. With two original leaders from the Mariner’s past now navigating from the bench, dynamic chemistry and culture should emulate in the locker room and onto the ice.
The season is just over two months away, with the Mariners hosting the Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, on Friday, October 18th. After a hot and humid summer in Portland, the ice at the Cross Insurance Arena will be a welcomed sight for hockey fans throughout the region.
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