PORTLAND, ME – November 9, 2026 – A former Maine Mariner will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday night. Brian Burke, long time NHL front office executive, and member of the 1978 Maine Mariners Calder Cup championship team, is a part of the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Burke is best known for his work as an NHL General Manager, winning a Stanley Cup at the head of the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. He’s also served as GM or President of Hockey Operations of the Hartford Wolf Pack, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Burke spent five years at the NHL league office, as Director of Hockey Operations from 1993-1998.
The 1977-78 season was the only full season of Burke’s professional playing career. A forward, and captain at Providence College from 1973-77, Burke debuted in the American Hockey League with the Springfield Indians, before signing with the Philadelphia Flyers and reporting to Maine. The Mariners, who were in their first AHL season, won their first of back-back Calder Cups in the spring of 1978. Burke appeared in 65 games in the regular season, scoring three goals and adding five assists, plus skating in eight postseason games. Burke is a native of Providence, RI,
Five other inductees join Burke in the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame Class including Boston Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron. Cindy Curley, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, and Keith Tkachuk will also be inducted. The ceremony will be held at 8:00 PM ET on Monday night in Toronto.
The current Maine Mariners are home this Tuesday, November 10th, hosting the Wheeling Nailers at 6:30 PM at the Cross Insurance Arena in a rematch of the 2026 North Division Finals. Single game tickets as low as $15 (base price) are available now at MaineMariners.com or at the Hammond Lumber Company Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena. Ticket packages are also available by calling 207-756-0209 or filling out an inquiry form at MaineMariners.com.
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