By: Jake Ferraro | Follow me on Twitter/X @18Jxxx18
The Maine Mariners’ 2025-26 season ended in heartbreak with a loss to the Wheeling Nailers in the second round of the 2026 ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs. However, excitement throughout Maine grew tremendously with the Mariners’ season. The Marines won their first playoff series in franchise history and have exciting players to watch for next season.
The Mariners recently added 19 players to their 2026 Protected List. As the 2026-27 season is over three months away, the expectations and excitement for the Mariners’ new season are high. Even with the new season months away, it’s never too early for fans to get an early look at the best Mariner games to attend at Cross Insurance Arena.
Home Opener
The Mariners will begin the 2026-27 season against the Worcester Railers at DCU Arena on Oct. 17 at 6:05 p.m. ET in Worcester, Massachusetts. Like the Mariners’ season opener, their home opener will be against the Railers on Oct. 24, with puck drop scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Home opener excitement and anticipation will always be there for a team and its fan base.
Early Chance at Revenge
May 18 is when the Mariners’ season ended against the Nailers, losing 4-3 in Game 7 at WesBanco Arena. Early into the season, the Mariners will have a chance to avenge their loss against the Nailers. Six of the first eight games for the Mariners to begin the season will be on the road. In the season’s ninth game on Nov. 10, the Mariners will host the Nailers at 7 p.m. ET.
In the 2026 ECHL Playoffs, the Mariners fared well against the Nailers at home in the second-round series, winning all three home games played at Cross Insurance Arena. The most exciting win of the series for the Mariners was in Game 4 when forward Jacob Hudson scored in double overtime to even the series at two games apiece.
New Jersey’s ECHL Return
New Jersey’s capital, Trenton, had an ECHL team for nearly 15 years. In 1999, the Trenton Titans became a team. In 2005, the Titans won the Kelly Cup. A name change occurred in 2007, when the team was renamed the “Trenton Devils,” and again in 2011, when the name was changed back to the “Titans.” After the 2012-13 season, Trenton lost its ECHL team.
After 21 years as the Utah Grizzlies, the ECHL is returning to Trenton this season, and the team will be called the “Trenton Ironhawks.” On Dec. 2, the Mariners will host the Ironhawks at 7 p.m. ET. The Ironhawks will be the ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders.
Western Conference Playoff Teams
Along with playing North Division opponents and other Eastern Conference teams, the Mariners will host two Western Conference teams that made the 2026 playoffs. The Mariners will begin a three-game weekend against the Bloomington Bison on Jan. 29 at 7:15 p.m. ET. Then, the Mariners will host the Indy Fuel on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. ET. Having four combined home games against two Western Conference playoff teams is a good test to see how the Mariners can fare against the other conference.
First Round One Rematch at Home
The Mariners’ 2026 first-round series against the Adirondack Thunder was a thrilling one that went the distance. The Mariners won 3-1 in Game 7 to win their first playoff series in team history on May 6. After trailing 1-0 late in the second period, the Mariners scored three unanswered goals from Wyllum Deveaux, Nick Anderson, and Shawn Element. Anderson scored the game-winning goal with less than four minutes remaining in regulation.
The Mariners will be on the road for the first five games of their season series against the Thunder. The first game between the two teams in Portland is scheduled for Dec. 27 with a 3 p.m. ET puck drop. The Mariners went 2-2 at home against the Thunder during the 2026 playoffs.
Beginning of a Crucial Home Stand
Beginning on March 19, the Mariners will have a nine-game home stand. The first game of the home stand will be against the Trois-Rivieres Lions at 7:15 p.m. ET. If the Mariners are in playoff contention or trying to secure home-ice advantage for the playoffs, this could be the beginning of an important stretch to use home-ice advantage to their advantage in the standings.
Final Home Game of the Season
Before the Mariners play their final game of the 2026-27 season against the Thunder on April 11, the Mariners will host the Thunder in the team’s final home game on April 10 at 6 p.m. ET. The Mariners’ final home game also concluded the final game of the nine-game home stand.
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