Maine Mariners pro hockey team to be acquired by NY financier with NH roots

File Photo / Jim Neuger Tim Doherty scores to seal a 5-2 victory for the Maine Mariners over the Tulsa Oilers at Cross Insurance Arena last season.

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By William Hall

The Maine Mariners, the state's only pro hockey team, are being purchased by a North Conway, N.H., native and New York financier, Dexter Paine.

Paine has reached an agreement to buy the minor-league squad from Philadelphia-based Comcast Spectacor, according to a news release from the team on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed, but the deal is expected to close before the start of the 2024-25 season.

The Mariners will stay in Portland, with home ice at Cross Insurance Arena, and will remain an ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins, according to Paine.

Paine is co-founder and chairman of Paine Schwartz Partners, a New York private equity firm specializing in sustainable food chain investing. He also is a member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee board of directors, serves on the International Ski & Snowboard Federation Council, and is actively working on the Salt Lake City 2034 Olympic Winter Games bid.

In addition, the news release said, he's a lifelong Bruins fan.

"The city of Portland and the great state of Maine have a rich and proud tradition of hockey. I could not be more excited about the next phase for this team and its outstanding fans," Paine said.

"Portland holds a special place in my heart and some of my earliest hockey memories involve attending Mariners games. I am thrilled to be able to realize this life-long dream with a city and team that mean so much to me."

The deal is subject to certain approvals, including by the ECHL board of governors. Once approved, Paine would serve as governor of the Maine Mariners and Adam Goldberg, who currently is president, would be promoted to CEO and alternate governor. Head Coach and General Manager Terrence Wallin will continue in his roles.

However, some changes may be in store under Paine's ownership. "I look forward to introducing a number of programs and initiatives that not only give back to our community but deepen the connection between the Mariners, players and the people who we so proudly represent."

Todd Glickman, chief revenue officer at Comcast Spectacor, said, "We are proud to have brought professional hockey back to Portland in 2017 and of the work done to build the Mariners into a first-class organization. All of us at Comcast Spectacor extend a heartfelt thank you to the city of Portland, players, coaches and, most importantly, the fans for their support.

"Having worked closely with Dexter throughout this process we are confident that the team is in the right hands with a bright future ahead."