PORTLAND, ME – July 10, 2025 – The Maine Mariners announced the re-signing of defenseman Justin Bean on Thursday, retaining their third captain from the 2024-25 season. Bean wore an “A” in the second half of last season, earning the letter in January.
Bean was one of only two players to skate in all 72 Mariners games in 2024-25, alongside co-captain Sebastian Vidmar who re-signed earlier this summer. He enjoyed a career-best season offensively, posting 35 points (7 goals, 28 assists) in his 72-game run, setting new career highs in all three major offensive categories.
From Pickering, ON, the 29-year-old defenseman joined the Mariners as a free agent signing a year ago. It was a return to North American for Bean who had spent the prior season in Hungary. The Mariners became Bean’s fourth ECHL team, having played previously for the Cincinnati Cyclones, Wichita Thunder, and Tulsa Oilers.
Before turning pro, Bean played four seasons at York University (USports), which included holding the captaincy in his final season. He was also the captain of the Wellington Dukes of the Ontario Junior Hockey League during his final season of juniors in 2016-17.
“Maine’s definitely the best place I’ve been in my pro journey. I’ve kind of bounced around a little bit and it’s nice to find a home in Portland. The fans have been fantastic, we had great support last year even through our struggles, everybody stuck with us and they really showed out down the stretch.”
The Mariners have now re-signed three of their captains from last season, with Bean joining Vidmar and Captain Wyllum Deveaux under contract for 2025-26.
The Mariners 2025-26 season presented by Hannaford, begins on Saturday, October 18th at Worcester with the Home Opener against the Reading Royals on Sunday, October 19th at 3 PM. Full, half, and 12-game mini plans are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Flex packs (now including 12 ticket vouchers), premium seating, and group tickets are now also on sale. Prospective ticket buyers can fill out an inquiry form for any ticket package at MarinersOfMaine.com, and a Mariners staff member will reach out. Single game tickets will go on sale in September.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers