University of Maine Men's Hockey

No other activity has brought the state of Maine nor the University the notoriety that the men’s ice hockey program and its two National Championships has. The modern era of Maine hockey began in 1977-78 as a division II program and moved to
division I for the 1979-80 season. Coach Shawn Walsh took over the program for the start of the 1984-85 season and within three years the Black Bears had their first 20-win season. The team won 24 games in 1986-87 and earned the school’s first NCAA playoff berth. Over the next few years, the Black Bears became an NCAA tournament staple. Maine compiled arguably the greatest team in NCAA history in 1992-93 en route to its first national championship with a record of 42-1-2. The Black Bears won their second national championship of the decade during the 1998-99 season. Some all-time greats have laced up their skates at Alfond Arena, including 1992 Hobey Baker Award winner Scott Pellerin and 1993 Hobey Baker Award winner Paul Kariya. . Gustav Nyquist and Spencer Abbott were finalists for the award in 2010 and 2012 respectively. The Black Bears have had over 30 All-American in their illustrious history. National Hockey League greats Ben Bishop, Keith Carney, Bob Corkum, Jimmy Howard, Paul
Kariya, Scott Pellerin, Gustav Nyquist, Dustin Penner, Teddy Purcell, Eric Weinrich and
many more have all worn the blue and white Maine hockey sweater. In addition to two national championships, Maine has won five Hockey East Titles (1989, 1992, 1993, 2000 and 2004). The Black Bears have made 18 NCAA appearances and appeared in 11 Frozen Fours. In 2001,The Black Bears lost legendary coach Shawn Walsh to cancer Tim Whitehead took over the reigns that season leading the team to the national championship game. Red Gendron, who had served under Shawn Walsh on Maine’s staff in 1999, was named head coach following the 2012-13 season. Gendron links Maine’s past success with the hope of a dominant program once again. In 2014, the Savage Challenge and the Grant Standbrook Forever Hockey Fund were established to provide an endowment for the men’s ice hockey program, to ensure financial stability in the future. Alfond Arena, known as the home of college hockey’s greatest fans, has seen its share of
memorable moments over the years. In 2011, Alfond Arena was named as having the Best
Atmosphere in College Hockey in an article in the Wall Street Journal. Black Bear Nation has and always will be a fundamental part of the team's success!