Mariners Acquire Venuto from Kalamazoo
Published on January 7, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
Maine Mariners News Release
PORTLAND, ME - The Maine Mariners, proud affiliates of the NHL's Boston Bruins and AHL's Providence Bruins, announced on Wednesday that they have acquired forward Antonio Venuto from the Kalamazoo Wings, completing a previous future considerations trade.
A 25-year-old forward from Whitmore Lake, MI, Venuto is in his first full season as a professional, joining the Wings upon finishing as Merrimack College last spring. In 22 games for the K-Wings, he's posted 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) and was loaned to the American Hockey League to play one game for the Cleveland Monsters.
Venuto also spent four seasons at Ferris State University, where he was a teammate with Mitch Deelstra for three seasons. Venuto was the Bulldogs leading scorer in his final season with the program, posting 26 points in 36 games in 2023-24.
The trade completes the October 2nd, 2025 move that sent the rights to forward Colin Bilek from Maine to Kalamazoo.
The Mariners travel to Reading, PA for three games against the Reading Royals this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They return to the Cross Insurance Arena on Friday, January 16th for a 7:15 PM faceoff against the Worcester Railers and Hockey Fights Cancer Night. The second of two Portland Pirates Nights is Saturday, January 17th at 6 PM, also against Worcester.
Single game tickets for all home games are available at MarinersOfMaine.com or at the Hammond Lumber Company Box Office inside the Cross Insurance Arena. Ticket packages including the 207 Club, half-season and 12-game plans, 12-ticket flex plans, and group discounts are also available by calling 833-GO-MAINE, filling out an inquiry form at MarinersOfMaine.com, or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free Street in Portland.
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