Bulldog Captain Nate Kallen Inks Pro Deal With Maine Mariners

Portland, Me. - The Maine Mariners of the ECHL announced the signing of Ferris State University senior defenseman and 2019-20 team captain Nate Kallen to a standard player contract on Friday (March 6).

The San Diego, California native wrapped up his collegiate career with six goals and 10 assists for 16 points this past season to go with 64 points in 146 collegiate games. Kallen was the only active member of the club to be named to Ferris State Hockey's 2010-2020 All-Decade team, and scored more goals (20) than any Bulldog defenseman from Jan. 1, 2010-Dec. 31, 2020.

With the signing, Kallen becomes the second member of his class to turn pro, and Ferris State's 25th alum active in professional hockey in the 2019-20 season, joining Brandon Anselmini, Chad Billins, Jason Binkley, Kyle Bonis, Justin Buzzeo, Brendan Connolly, Simon Denis, Cory Kane, Ryan Lowney, Gerald Mayhew (NHL), Frankie Melton, Troy Milam, Troy Milam, CJ Motte, Pat Nagle, Derek Nesbitt, Zach Redmond, Blair Riley, Kyle Schempp, Austin Shaw, Garrett Thompson, Jared VanWormer, Charles Williams, and Cooper Zech. 

Kallen joins former Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) goaltender Connor LaCouvee (Minnesota State) in Maine.

Kallen traveled to Maine yesterday evening, and is expected to be available as the Mariners take on the Reading Royals and former teammate Corey Mackin tonight at 7:15 pm. Kallen has been temporarily assigned the number 14 for tonight's contest only as the Mariners are wearing specialty uniforms.