By: Ryan Finch | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanFinch0815
A familiar face is returning to Portland as veteran defenseman Connor Doherty has signed with the Maine Mariners for the 2026-27 season. After spending the past two seasons with the Florida Everblades, the former Mariners captain returns to the organization for his fourth season in Maine and his 10th campaign in the ECHL.
Doherty’s return brings back one of the most respected leaders in franchise history, adding experience, stability, and a championship-caliber presence to the Mariners’ blue line. During his first stint in Maine, he established himself as the heart of the team’s leadership group, earning the captaincy and becoming one of the organization’s most influential players both on and off the ice.
Doherty began his ECHL career with the Worcester Railers during the 2017-18 season, where he spent three seasons establishing himself as a reliable, two-way defenseman. He then joined the Kansas City Mavericks for the 2021-22 campaign before signing with the Maine Mariners ahead of the 2022-23 season.
It didn’t take long for Doherty to make an impact in Portland. His leadership, professionalism, and steady presence on the blue line quickly earned the respect of both his teammates and the coaching staff, leading to him being named captain of the Mariners. He would go on to become one of the organization’s most respected leaders, helping establish the culture that continues to define the team today.
Doherty returns to Maine as one of the most accomplished and experienced defensemen in ECHL history. Entering his 10th professional season, he ranks as the league’s all-time leader in games played with 467 career appearances. Over that span, he has recorded 17 goals and 94 assists for 111 points while adding another 13 points in 59 career Kelly Cup Playoff games.
His championship pedigree continued to grow last season with the Florida Everblades, where he served as an alternate captain and helped lead the club to a Kelly Cup championship. Now, the veteran blueliner returns to Portland bringing not only invaluable experience, but also the leadership and winning mentality that have defined his ECHL career.
Connor Doherty’s return is about much more than adding an experienced defenseman to the roster. It reunites the Mariners with one of the organization’s most respected leaders, a player whose work ethic and professionalism helped establish the culture that has become synonymous with Maine hockey. His experience will be invaluable as the team welcomes new players while continuing to build on last season’s historic success.
With Wyllum Deveaux returning to wear the captain’s “C,” Doherty’s arrival gives the Mariners another veteran leader who understands the expectations inside the organization. Together, the two provide Rick Kowalsky with a leadership core that few teams in the ECHL can match.
While never known as an offensive defenseman, Doherty has built his career on smart positioning, physical play, penalty killing, and making the simple play. His steady presence allows his defensive partner to play with confidence and gives the Mariners another reliable option in every defensive situation.
Head coach Rick Kowalsky now adds another trusted veteran to a defensive group that continues to take shape. Doherty’s familiarity with the organization means he can immediately step into a leadership role while helping younger players adjust to the expectations of playing in Maine.
In an offseason filled with new faces and familiar returns, few signings carry the significance of Connor Doherty’s homecoming. As one of the most respected leaders in franchise history and now a Kelly Cup champion, his return gives the Mariners another proven winner as they set their sights on bringing a championship to Portland.
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