PORTLAND, ME – September 10, 2026 – The Maine Mariners announced their preseason schedule on Thursday, playing their annual home-and-home exhibition series against the Worcester Railers. The home game will be played at the Harold Alfond Forum at the University of New England for the second consecutive year on Friday, October 9^th with a 7:00 PM puck drop.

Tickets are free and can be claimed ahead of time via FEVO, with a suggested donation to the Maine Mariners Foundation. No physical ticket will be issued, but fans can check in using their confirmation email. Space is limited and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but cannot be guaranteed.

Launching this season, the Maine Mariners Foundation is dedicated to strengthening social-emotional wellness in Maine communities through the power of winter sport. Through programs and partnerships, the Foundation will create opportunities for communal recreation, learning experiences on and off the ice, and hockey fandom, creating accessible pathways for every generation to play, learn, and connect. The Foundation's future plans will be revealed as the season gets underway, and formally launched at the game on Sunday, February 7.

The Mariners and Railers have met in preseason action every year since 2018. Last year, the Mariners captured a 3-2 win at the Harold Alfond Forum, which hosts the University of New England’s Nor’easters men and women’s NCAA DIII ice hockey programs.

The two teams will also play on Saturday, October 10^th at Worcester Ice Center, also at 7:00 PM. A radio broadcast of both preseason games will be available at MaineMariners.com/listen or on the Mixlr App.

The exhibition series kicks off the sixth season of the VIP Rivalry Cup, presented by VIP Tires & Service. Last season, the Mariners captured the Cup for the second year in a row, winning nine of the 14 matchups with Worcester. Established in 2021, three of the five Rivalry Cups have gone to the Mariners.

VIP Tires & Service, a family-owned business based in Auburn, Maine, is celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year. They operate 77 locations throughout New England, providing retail and wholesale tires and installation, and professional automotive services. VIP is the place where New Englanders turn for everything they need to keep their vehicles running at peak performance. For more information, visit: www.vipauto.com.

The Mariners also begin the regular season in Worcester, with Opening Night on Saturday, October 17^th at the DCU Center and the Home Opener one week later on Saturday, October 24^th, a 1 PM puck drop at the Cross Insurance Arena. For more information on ticket packages and group discounts for the 2026-27 season, fans can call 833-GO-MAINE, go to MaineMariners.com, or visit the Mariners front office at 94 Free Street in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale later this month.