Mariners bring back Venuto

Action photo of Antonio Venuto of the Maine 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 the re-signing of forward Antonio Venuto for the 2026-27 season. A trade acquisition midway through last season, Venuto played a key role in the Mariners playoff run.

A native of Whitmore Lake, Michigan, Venuto joined the Mariners on Jan. 7, acquired from the Kalamazoo Wings in exchange for future considerations. The trade represented a turning point in the Mariners season, as they went 30-11-4 in the 45 games after adding Venuto to the lineup.

Venuto appeared in 44 games for the Mariners, posting 20 points (12g-8a), before adding seven points (4g-3a) in 14 playoff games. Between the Mariners and K-Wings, Venuto finished the 2025-26 regular season with 34 points (17g-17a) in 66 games. He also made his AHL debut, skating in one game for the Cleveland Monsters.

Prior to turning pro, Venuto played collegiately at Ferris State University and Merrimack College.