Maine Mariners Extend Win Streak to Four Games

ECHL hockey team continues strong start to 2026 season with fourth consecutive victory.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:37am

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The Maine Mariners, an ECHL professional hockey team based in Portland, Maine, have extended their winning streak to four games with a victory over the Adirondack Thunder on Friday night at Cross Insurance Arena. This marks the Mariners' first home game since a brief league-wide work stoppage earlier this year.

Why it matters

The Mariners' strong start to the 2026 season is an encouraging sign for the team's loyal fanbase in Portland, who have seen the squad struggle with inconsistency in recent years. A prolonged winning streak could help build momentum and excitement around the team as they push for a playoff berth.

The details

The Mariners defeated the Adirondack Thunder by a score of 3-2 on Friday night. The game was a tight, back-and-forth affair, with the Mariners rallying from an early deficit to secure the victory. Key players for the Mariners included forward Liam O'Brien, who scored two goals, and goaltender Evan Buitenhuis, who made 35 saves.

  • The Mariners' win over the Thunder on Friday, February 21, 2026 was their fourth consecutive victory.
  • The Mariners were playing their first home game since a brief ECHL-wide work stoppage earlier in the 2026 season.

The players

Liam O'Brien

A forward for the Maine Mariners who scored two goals in the team's win over the Adirondack Thunder.

Evan Buitenhuis

The goaltender for the Maine Mariners who made 35 saves in the team's victory over the Adirondack Thunder.

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What they’re saying

“The guys really battled hard tonight and it's great to get another win at home in front of our fans.”

— Liam O'Brien, Forward, Maine Mariners

What’s next

The Mariners will look to extend their winning streak to five games when they host the Worcester Railers on Sunday, February 23rd.

The takeaway

The Maine Mariners' strong start to the 2026 ECHL season, including their fourth consecutive win, has reinvigorated the team's fanbase in Portland and set them up for a potential playoff push in the coming months.