Doherty heads back to Mariners

PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Mariners, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins and American Hockey League's Providence Bruins have announced that defenseman Connor Doherty has been signed to a contract for the 2026-27 season, marking a return to Maine for the former captain.

Doherty, 33, served as captain of the Mariners from the 2021-22 season through 2023-24, departing Maine to join the Florida Everblades, where he spent the last two seasons. Capturing a Kelly Cup championship with the Everblades this past spring, Doherty appeared in 62 regular-season games and then skated in 20 more in the postseason. He was also an alternate captain.

The Holden, Massachusetts native played a total of 162 regular-season games in a Mariners uniform over three seasons, scoring 46 points (7g-39a) and boasting a +39 rating. He also appeared in 19 playoff games for Maine.

Prior to joining the Mariners, Doherty had ECHL stints with the Kansas City Mavericks and Worcester Railers. He’s accumulated 467 career ECHL games, with an additional 59 Kelly Cup playoff contests. Doherty played collegiately at Sacred Heart University from 2014-17.