ECHL: Maine Mariners Acquire Two Forwards From Bloomington Bison

The Maine Mariners and Bloomington Bison made their second trade this week, finalizing a deal the two teams started on Tuesday. 

Maine Acquires Hemstrom

The Mariners acquired forward Linus Hemstrom from the Bison in exchange for a future consideration. This trade completes a previous transaction in which the Mariners sent the rights to forward Ty Cheveldayoff to the Jacksonville Icemen. The future consideration received from the Icemen has now been traded to Bloomington in return for Hemstrom. The Swedish-born forward is in his first ECHL season. While playing with the Bison, he appeared in 31 games, scoring one goal and adding six assists. Before joining the ECHL, Hemstrom spent two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Kingston Frontenacs. Last year, he posted 53 points (23 goals, 30 assists) in 61 games and tallied 93 points over two seasons in the OHL.

Before joining the ECHL, Hemstrom spent two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Kingston Frontenacs. Last year, he posted 53 points (23 goals, 30 assists) in 61 games and tallied 93 points over two seasons in the OHL. Hemstrom represented Sweden internationally at the U18 and U20 levels, earning a gold medal at the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championships in Germany. During the finals, the Swedes were able to stun the USA in a 6-4 win, which Hemstrom assisted in the amazing performance. Hemstrom adds to the ever-changing Maine roster. Maine seems to be going through a rebuild, as many of their season starters have gone overseas or to other ECHL teams. The second half of the season has been more impressive for Maine; hopefully, with the switch up, these new faces can refresh Portland hockey and have a superior run in the 2025-2026 season.

Jackson Stewart Headed To Maine

The other part of this trade was Maine acquiring forward Jackson Stewart. Stewart has not tallied any points this season but has added up many penalty minutes; three instances include majors for fighting. Stewart may help the Mariners have a stronger offense by not being as afraid to take back the puck, but only time will tell. Stewart played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League for the Kingston Frontenacs and Owen Sound Attack. He garnered 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) and registered 299 penalty minutes. Last season, he led the Sound Attack in PIM (119).