Providence, RI – The Providence Bruins and Boston Bruins join the American Hockey League in mourning the loss of Edward “Ed” Anderson, who recently passed away at age 77 at his home in Scarborough, Maine. From 1977 to 2000, Anderson was the Chief Executive of the Maine Mariners and Providence Bruins franchises and was instrumental in the success of the American Hockey League during that time.
Ed was the first hire of the Maine Mariners in its inaugural season, earning him the distinction of the “Original Mariner”. While serving as the team’s President/CEO the Mariners would win three Calder Cup championships, including back-to-back titles in the team’s first two seasons as Philadelphia’s affiliate, and again in 1983-84 as the affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.
In 1987 Anderson saw the Mariners re-introduced in Portland as an affiliate of the Boston Bruins, and in 1991 would be integral in helping the franchise relocate to Rhode Island to become the Providence Bruins. When Providence won the Calder Cup in 1999, Anderson celebrated his fourth AHL title across three different affiliations.
“Ed was instrumental in bringing Bruins hockey to Providence,” said Jeremy M. Jacobs, Owner of the Boston Bruins and Chairman of the NHL Board of Governors. “Under his leadership, the team was able to establish its rightful home base and has subsequently enjoyed decades of success and one of the strongest fanbases in the AHL. The entire Bruins family offers our condolences to Linda, Tara and Astara.”
Providence Bruins CEO Jeff Fear echoed those statements, saying “Ed was the driving force to bring AHL hockey back to Providence and a pioneer in minor league hockey, proving to be ahead of his time in both minor league operations and marketing. Our condolences go out to Linda, Tara, Astara, and his entire family during this difficult time.”
Ed also took on a large role at the AHL Board of Governors, serving on several committees including the co-chair of the Negotiating Committee with his long-time legal counsel in Rhode Island, Joseph Rodio, Esq, in collective bargaining with the PHPA.
“Ed Anderson was a masterful business manager and marketer, as evidenced by the dramatic success of the Maine Mariners and Providence Bruins under his guidance,” said American Hockey League President and CEO Scott Howson. “He was an integral part of four Calder Cup championship teams and an invaluable member of the AHL’s Board of Governors for more than two decades. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Linda, and Ed’s entire family.”
In recognition of his life and contributions to the franchise, the Providence Bruins will wear a special decal on their helmets to honor Anderson during the 2024-25 season.
Ed is survived by his wife and life partner Linda, daughter Tara, granddaughter Astara, sister Cheryl and her husband William, and nine nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to a favorite charity; or to Prebble Street Resource Center at 55 Portland St. in Portland, ME 04101; or to Richard Batchelder Fund at 71 Orchard Farm Road in York, ME.
