The Pirates were founded in 1993-94 as an affiliate of the Washington Capitals. The team was previously known as the Baltimore Skipjacks, who relocated to Maine. The Mariners replaced the void made by the Maine Mariners who departed to become the Providence Bruins a year earlier. The Capitals affiliation ended after 12 seasons in 2005.The Pirates first season proved to be their most successful one, as they won the Calder Cup with a 43-27-10 record. Their next season they had 104 points, but were upset in the 1st round of the playoffs. In the 1995-96 season they again reached the Calder Cup Finals despite a subpar record of 32-34-10, but lost to the Rochester Americans.Since then, it has been a roller coaster ride for the Pirates. Despite an excellent 100 point season, they were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round in 1999-2000.For the first four seasons, they were coached by current Nashville Predators head coach Barry Trotz. They played host to the AHL All-Star Classic in 2003.In 2005 the Pirates announced a five year lease extension at the Cumberland County Civic Center, ending speculation that the team might relocate. They also signed a five year affiliation agreement with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2005. However the Ducks broke the contract after the 2007-2008 season, and signed an affiliation agreement with the Iowa Stars. Then, on June 10th, 2008 The Buffalo Sabres signed a 5 year affiliation agreement with the Portland Pirates, Thus making the Sabres the Pirates new NHL Parent Team
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