(Photo Credit: Maine Mariners | ECHL)

By: Ryan Finch | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanFinch0815

Tynan Ewart’s time with the Maine Mariners was brief, but the former Northern Michigan captain made enough of an impression to earn another opportunity in the ECHL. On Tuesday, the Adirondack Thunder announced that they had signed Ewart to a contract for the 2026-27 season, giving the 24-year-old defenseman a new home within the ECHL’s North Division. The move comes after Ewart joined the Mariners late in the 2025-26 campaign following the conclusion of his collegiate career.

Ewart arrived in Maine on March 8 after signing an Amateur Tryout out of Northern Michigan University. At the time, he was coming off a season in which he served as captain of the Wildcats and recorded 10 points, including one goal and nine assists, over 34 games.

The Duncan, British Columbia native had already built a strong résumé before reaching the professional level. Ewart spent three seasons in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League with the Battleford North Stars before making the jump to college hockey. During his final junior season in 2022-23, he recorded 56 points in 55 games and was named the SJHL’s Defenseman of the Year while helping Battleford capture the league championship.

Ewart then continued his collegiate career at St. Cloud State before transferring to Northern Michigan. Across three seasons between the two programs, he totaled 26 points on two goals and 24 assists in 87 games. His leadership qualities became particularly evident during his time at Northern Michigan, where he eventually wore the captain’s “C.”

His professional debut came with Maine during the Mariners’ push toward the 2026 Kelly Cup Playoffs. Ewart appeared in 10 games for Maine during then regular season. Although his stint in Portland lasted only a handful of weeks, Ewart gained valuable experience competing against established professional players and adjusting to the pace and physicality of the ECHL.

The Mariners and Thunder also became familiar opponents for Ewart during his brief professional introduction. He suited up against Adirondack multiple times, including a March 18 matchup at Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls.

For Adirondack, the signing adds a young defenseman with collegiate leadership experience and a successful junior background to the blue line. Ewart’s ability to move the puck, contribute offensively and provide leadership could make him an intriguing addition as the Thunder prepare for the 2026-27 season.

For Maine fans, Ewart becomes another member of last season’s Mariners roster to find a new opportunity elsewhere. While his tenure in Portland was short, his transition from college captain to professional defenseman was an important first step.

The next chapter will take Ewart to Adirondack, where he will look to establish himself as a regular contributor and continue building his professional career. For a player who has already experienced the responsibility of wearing a captain’s “C,” the Thunder will be hoping that leadership and experience translate into an impactful first full professional season.