Dexter Paine of North Conway, New Hampshire, has reached an agreement to purchase the East Coast Hockey League franchise, the Maine Mariners, from Comcast Spectacor. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed and are pending approval from the ECHL Board of Governors. Paine, co-founder of the private equity firm Paine Schwartz Partners, expressed his excitement about keeping the team in Portland and maintaining their affiliation with the Boston Bruins. He reminisced about attending Mariners games and stated that he looks forward to supporting the team and creating a winning culture. Once the sale is finalized, Paine will serve as the Maine Mariners’ governor, with Terrence Wallin returning as coach and general manager. Paine plans to introduce initiatives that give back to the community and deepen the connection between the team, players, and fans. The team expects the sale to be completed before the 2024-25 season begins, and Paine is eager to contribute to the team’s success. The Maine Mariners play their home games at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland and have a dedicated fan base that Paine is excited to engage with and support.
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