Connor Doherty, the 33‑year‑old defenseman who captained the Maine Mariners to a Kelly Cup title with the Florida Everblades, has agreed to a new contract that will keep him in Portland for the 2026‑27 campaign.
A brief look at his career
Over 162 regular‑season games with the Mariners, Doherty recorded 46 points while posting a +39 plus‑minus rating. He also appeared in 19 playoff contests and contributed 62 games plus 20 postseason appearances for the Everblades, where he helped the club capture the Kelly Cup.
Championship pedigree
After leaving Maine, Doherty joined the Florida Everblades and quickly became a key contributor, skating in 62 regular‑season games and 20 playoff matches before anchoring a championship run that culminated in the 2023‑24 Kelly Cup.
Previous stops and collegiate roots
Before his return, the defenseman spent time in the ECHL with the Kansas City Mavericks and the Worcester Railers, accumulating 467 career ECHL appearances and 59 Kelly Cup playoff games. He also honed his game at Sacred Heart University from 2014 to 2017.
The upcoming season will mark his second stint with the Mariners after a decorated tenure that included a captaincy, a championship, and a reputation as a steady, two‑way defenseman. Fans can expect his leadership to blend with a young core that aims to contend for another title.