Former New Jersey Devils assistant coach Rick Kowalsky has been named the new Head Coach and General Manager of the ECHL’s Maine Mariners.
Kowalsky is well-acquainted with the league, having begun his coaching career with the Devils’ ECHL affiliate, the Trenton Titans, where he spent four seasons. He went on to serve seven seasons with the Albany Devils and one with the Binghamton Devils (AHL) before joining New Jersey as an assistant coach.
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From 2018 to 2021, Kowalsky spent three seasons behind the bench in the NHL. Afterward, he returned to the AHL. He is now making his way back to the ECHL.
“I am extremely excited to join the Maine Mariners as Head Coach and General Manager,” Kowalsky said. “Through this whole process with Dexter and Adam, just seeing their passion and enthusiasm towards striving to make Maine a top organization in the ECHL is something that really resonates with me. I am grateful for the opportunity Dexter has given me.”
Kowalsky succeeds Terrence Wallin, becoming the fourth head coach in Mariners history. He brings more than 20 years of coaching experience, with career highlights including:
2009 ECHL Coach of the Year
2016 AHL Coach of the Year
2017 ECHL Hall of Fame inductee
Evan Gold, general manager of the Providence Bruins, the Mariners’ AHL affiliate, praised the hire: “Rick’s wealth of experience, passion for winning, and desire to work with and develop young players make him the ideal choice to lead the Mariners.”
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Kowalsky also has strong ties to Portland from his playing career. He spent 10 seasons in the ECHL, appearing in 516 games and recording 550 points, and played 183 games in the AHL, including 108 with the Portland Pirates.
“Portland is a community with a rich hockey history and a great fan base,” Kowalsky said. “I, along with my wife, thoroughly enjoyed my time there as a player.”
The 53-year-old now returns to the league where his coaching journey began, bringing experience from the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.
Photo Credit: © Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images