Maine Mariners’ Darien Kielb Going Overseas, Former Mariner Zach Malatesta Returning

As the Mariners find their way out of last place in the division, multiple players have found their way out of the ECHL and headed overseas. Mariners’ #6 Darien Kielb is the most recent to depart from the Mariners to pursue a career in Europe. This is followed by Mariners’ second top goal scorer, #14 Reid Stefanson, making this decision less than two weeks ago on January 6th. Kielb has played only seven games with the Maine Mariners since he was traded from the Fort Wayne Komets on January 2nd. Within these seven games, Kielb has one goal and two assists under his belt.

On the same day the team suspended Kielb, former Mariners defenseman Zach Malatesta was signed to an SPC (Standard Player Contract). Malatesta played with the Mariners back in the 2021-22 season. In 43 games, he managed seven goals and 30 assists. That year, the Mariners also played in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. In 6 games, Malatesta scored one goal and had five assists The Mariners have recently been showing some winning momentum after winning 2 out of 3 games against the Reading Royals, in which they also passed the Royals to take their spot for #6 in the division Despite some valuable players deciding to leave the team, the Mariners seem to be rising to the occasion With the addition of an old teammate going into a three game weekend, again facing the Royals, the Mariners have a fair shot at gaining a few more points and moving towards a higher spot in the ranks.