Flashback to February 18

Sports History

1987

New Jersey Devils’ farm team Maine Mariners (AHL) move to Utica (Devils) New York.

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On April 23, 1987, it was announced that the Maine Mariners, the American Hockey League (AHL) farm team of the New Jersey Devils, would be relocating to Utica, New York. This move marked a significant change for the organization and its fans. Let’s take a closer look at the details of this event and its implications.

The decision to move the team from Portland, Maine to Utica, New York came as a surprise to many. The Maine Mariners had a rich history in Portland, dating back to the early 1970s. The team had enjoyed a loyal fan base and had become deeply rooted in the local community. Therefore, the news of their relocation stirred mixed emotions among supporters.

For the New Jersey Devils, the decision to move their AHL affiliate made strategic sense. Utica, New York provided a closer proximity to the NHL team’s home base, making player development and call-ups more convenient. The Devils recognized the importance of having their minor league players in close proximity for easier transition to the main roster when needed.

Utica, a city located in central New York, embraced the opportunity to host a professional hockey team. The relocation brought excitement and optimism to the local fan base, as well as economic benefits to the community. The Utica Devils, as the team would be renamed, promised to bring high-quality hockey and a chance for fans to witness the professional development of future NHL stars.

The move also created rivalries between the Utica Devils and other AHL teams. The team’s new location placed them in close proximity to other New York-based AHL teams, such as the Rochester Americans and the Syracuse Crunch. This proximity fueled intense competition on the ice and created a sense of regional pride among fans.

The first season in Utica proved to be a successful one for the Devils. Led by head coach Tom McVie, the team finished with a respectable record and made it to the playoffs. The Utica Devils quickly established themselves as a competitive force in the AHL and gained a devoted fan base in the process.

Over the years, the Devils’ AHL affiliate went through several name changes. They became the Utica Devils, followed by the Utica Blizzard, Utica Bulldogs, and eventually the Utica Comets. Despite the name changes, the team continued to play in Utica, maintaining a strong connection with the local community.

The move of the Maine Mariners to Utica, New York on April 23, 1987, marked a turning point in the history of the organization. It provided the New Jersey Devils with a closer minor league affiliate and allowed them to monitor the development of their prospects more effectively. Conversely, it brought high-quality hockey to Utica and instilled a sense of pride in the local community.

Today, the Utica Comets remain a vital part of the Utica sports scene, and their partnership with the New Jersey Devils continues to thrive. The move of the Maine Mariners to Utica over three decades ago was a bold decision that yielded positive results for both the AHL team and the community it now calls home.

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