Maine Black Bears men's ice hockey

Birth of Maine ice hockey (1977–84)

The University of Maine, then known as the University of Maine at Orono, officially developed an NCAA sanctioned men's ice hockey program in 1977. Creation of this program occurred simultaneously with the construction of the Harold Alfond Sports Arena (See Alfond Arena), the facility that is still used for home games today.

This was not, however, the first attempt at birthing a permanent hockey program in Orono. Maine played two seasons of recognized college hockey in 1922 and 1923 totaling 17 games, and primarily playing other Maine colleges such as Bowdoin, Colby and Bates. This program did not stick, and it would be over 5 decades before organized hockey would become a staple at the state's flagship university.

Upon foundation in 1977, the program was coached by Jack Semler (University of Vermont '68). Maine enjoyed modest success under Semler boasting winning records in 3 of their first 4 regular seasons. The Black Bears competed in The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) during their first 7 years of existence, all of which were under Semler. The ECAC was recognized as Division-II hockey until 1979 at which point the conference, and thus Maine, became Division-I – the level of competition they have competed in ever since.

Shawn Walsh era (1984–2001)

Following the 1983–84 season, head coach Jack Semler submitted his resignation. With Maine set to join the newly formed Hockey East Association, Maine hired Shawn Walsh, a 29-year-old assistant at Michigan State University and ex-3rd string goalie at Bowling Green State University. Walsh served as assistant coach for Ron Mason at his alma mater and Michigan State where he and Mason turned the Spartan's program from being sub-.500 performers to national contenders in only half a decade.

He inherited a struggling team, so win/loss improvement was not immediate; Maine posted a 23–57–2 record over Walsh's first two years with the program. However, Walsh was attracting top recruits, and convincing the school, the state, and its fans that UMaine had the potential to become a powerhouse in college hockey.

1986 brought the first of many significant accomplishments for Walsh and the program. At 24–16–2, he posted his first winning season as a head coach. The team also made its first NCAA tournament appearance this season, ironically losing in the first round to Michigan State.

After finishing as the conference runner up in '87 and '88 they brought home their first significant championship during the 1988–89 season. Walsh's Black Bears skated past Boston College in a 5–4 win for their first of 5 HEA Championships. 4 of these would come under Walsh. Due to the success and popularity of the program, Alfond Arena expanded its capacity from 3,800 to well over 5,000 in 1992.

1993 National Championship

Maine was a heavy favorite to win their first national championship during the 1991–1992 season. Unfortunately, their hopes were broken when they suffered a surprise first-round loss to MSU. After losing the likes of Hobey Baker Award winner Scott Pellerin, threatening scorer Jean-Yves Roy, and many other impact players following the season, expectations for the team dropped entering '92–'93.

However, college hockey would soon learn that the Black Bears had an exceptionally gifted freshman class on their hands in 1992. This included future NHL Star Paul Kariya, and highly touted identical twin forwards, Peter and Chris Ferraro. This caliber of talent joining Maine's all-time leading scorer Jim Montgomery, "Little" Cal Ingraham, defensive stud Chris Imes, and arguably one of the best goaltending tandems in college hockey history in Garth Snow and Mike Dunham, Maine was set up to make a historic run.

Kariya scored a single season school record 100 points, while Montgomery put an exclamation point on the end of his successful college years finishing with a school record 301 career points. All this was en route to an amazing 42–1–2 season record, a HEA regular season championship, the HEA conference championship, and their first ever national championship.

Their destiny was almost blown during the Frozen Four semi-finals against the University of Michigan when the referees disallowed an otherwise legitimate Maine goal. The backside of the net raised when the puck slid in causing deception as to whether or not it really went in. As a result, the game was tied at the end of regulation when Maine felt they should have won. In overtime, Lee Saunders made everything right by scoring the game winner and sending Maine to the title game against defending champ Lake Superior State University.

Maine's near-perfect season found itself in jeopardy once again in championship game. Despite an early and promising 2–0 lead, the Bears found themselves trailing the seasoned Lakers 4–2 after two periods. Working double shifts for period number three, two likely heroes emerged. Jim Montgomery scored a natural hat-trick in the third period lifting Maine to a 5–4 win. All three goals were assisted by Paul Kariya.

There was a crackdown on many big college hockey programs during the 1990s for playing players that were deemed ineligible. Maine was one of these teams, and they suffered consequences including forfeited losses both retroactively and in future seasons. Some questioned the legitimacy of the 1993 title, but the NCAA did not touch it because the players in question were from previous seasons and did not participate in Maine's championship.

1999 National Championship

The middle years of the 1990s were bittersweet for the Black Bears. They enjoyed some on-ice success and finished the national runner up in 1995, but due to sanctions and penalties for reasons previously mentioned, they were unable to compete in the NCAA tournament in 1996 and '97.

The 1998–1999 season crowned a much less likely champion than that of 1993. Maine did not win the regular season crown, nor did they even finish 2nd in the conference tournament. They advanced to the NCAAs on an at-large bid due to a successful regular season, but were not most analysts' favorite to win the national championship.

Following wins over Ohio State and Clarkson University, Maine advanced to the 1999 Frozen Four in Anaheim, California where they would meet some familiar foes. Not long after Maine and Boston College met in the Hockey East semi-finals, they squared off again (this time) in the national semi-finals. This result would fare better for Maine as goalie Alfie Michaud bested Scott Clemmensen lifting the Black Bears past the Eagles 2–1 in overtime.

Though Maine's traditional nemesis for years was Boston University (not only through meaningful games, but because of a well documented rivalry between Shawn Walsh and BU Head Coach, Jack Parker), an even bigger feud was emerging between Maine and the neighboring New Hampshire Wildcats.

Led by Hobey Baker Award winner Jason Krog and future NHL goaltender Ty Conklin, #1 ranked UNH was primed to win their program's first national championship. Goals by Ben Guite and Niko Dimitrakos (Maine), and more outstanding goaltending by eventual tournament MVP Alfie Michaud kept Maine competitive and the scoreboard read 2–2 at the end of regulation.

Shortly after the 10-minute mark in OT, a careless play by UNH in their defensive zone turned into Maine's opportunity as Cory Larose swiped a drifting puck off the nearside boards and made a cross-ice pass to Marcus Gustafsson. Conklin made the initial save but with no defensive help, Gustafsson collected his own rebound and scored the game winner to clinch Maine's 2nd National Championship.

The Death of Walsh

Coach William 'Shawn' Walsh inherited a relatively new and obscure hockey program at The University of Maine in 1984 and he was convinced that it could be built up to greatness. His finger was clearly on the pulse of every aspect of the program, and he held a sincere understanding of what it would take to develop success.

It would take a diligent combination of recruiting the right players, a proper coaching staff to develop talent, the support of the University and the Athletic Department, and a highly engaged fan-base and student fan-base to create a one of a kind experience in college hockey.

He took personal ownership in each of these categories. During its grassroots, there are even great stories passed on of Shawn marching into the student dining commons, standing up and shouting on the tables- rallying students down to the games, and encouraging them to create a loud and hostile environment for Maine's opponents. The light blue "Maine-iak" shirts worn by the students at UMaine were one of his many ideas.

Most supporters and enthusiasts of the program credit the foundation of greatness held by the Black Bear Men's Ice Hockey team almost exclusively to Shawn Walsh.

In June 2000, Shawn was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (cancer of the kidneys). Knowing that his time may be limited, he hand selected the coach he wanted to take over the team if anything were to happen. Always known as a fiery coach, some were surprised when he selected mild mannered UMass Lowell River Hawks coach Tim Whitehead (Hamilton '85). Whitehead earned his graduate degree in education at The University of Maine approximately 10 years prior, and during this time he worked with Walsh as a graduate assistant coach.

Shawn Walsh lost his battle with cancer on September 24, 2001.

A green clover with his name underneath is hung with the other 3 retired numbers in Alfond Arena in his honor. In 2006, The Shawn Walsh Hockey Center, a new extension of Alfond Arena with coaching and administrative offices, meeting areas, and brand new player facilities opened. This several million dollar project was funded through private donations --- many donations coming from dozens of players Walsh coached through his 17 years with Maine.

Tim Whitehead era (2001–2013)

As expected, Tim Whitehead became the interim head coach following the death of Shawn Walsh at the start of the 2001–2002 season. He was later named the permanent head coach after a very successful first campaign in a year where he was eventually honored with the Spencer Penrose award which recognizes the NCAA coach of the year. Walsh won the Penrose award in 1995.

The team reached the championship game in 2002, the first season under Whitehead. Attempting to "win it for Shawn", they had to play The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in their home state for the finals. They were 1 minute away from a win when Minnesota tied the game with their goalie pulled. In overtime, after a tripping penalty on Michael Schutte of Maine, the Gophers scored the winning goal on the power play.

Two years later, backed by the most statistically strong single-season goalie tandem in the NCAA record books (Jimmy Howard 1.19GAA .953 Save pct *both NCAA records; Frank Doyle 1.81GAA), future NHL player Dustin Penner, a slew of popular forwards including Todd Jackson, Colin Shields, Maine's own Greg Moore and Derek Damon, conference rookie of the year Michel Leveille, and tough-guy defenseman Prestin Ryan, Maine found itself back in the big game.

The Bears controlled the tempo and jumped on the board early against Denver University on a Derek Damon goal, but the referees disallowed the goal explaining that part of the skate of Mike Hamilton crossed a line on the goalie crease as the goal went in. Though Howard only allowed 1 goal, Maine's offense could not find its rhythm after the disallowed goal and they lost 1–0.

That offseason, the NCAA reviewed the rule it followed to call off Maine's goal. They decided to adjust the rule to emulate the NHL's policy on this type of play, that is, only making a "man-in-the-crease" call if the player whose skate crosses the crease actually affects the outcome of the play or the goalie's ability to make the save.

Maine Recession

In the summer of 2008, Assistant Coach Guy Perron and Volunteer Assistant Coach Grant Standbrook both stepped aside from the program. Standbrook retired, while Perron was hired as an amateur scout for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League. In 2006 and 2007 Maine would go to the Frozen Four but hit a regrouping session in 2008. 2008 was a dark year as Maine finished 9th in Hockey East and didn't even qualify for the playoffs, then in 2009 Maine entered the Hockey East Playoffs 8th and was eliminated in the first round by BU.

In 2010 Maine reversed their two-year drought and finished 4th in Hockey East, Maine would go all the way to the Hockey East Championship but would lose to BC. The next year a resurgent Merrimack team finished 4th and eliminated Maine from the Hockey East Tournament and once again dashed their hopes of getting back to the national tournament. Going into the 2012 Maine didn't look very likely to break the 4-year drought, especially with the early departure of junior standout Gustav Nyquist, but Spencer Abbott would step up and have an incredible campaign. Abbott would lead the nation in scoring, and lead Maine to 4th in Hockey East, Maine would go all the way to the Hockey East championship, but would once again be beat by future national champion Boston College.

Even though Maine lost in the Hockey East championship they had a good enough record to qualify for the national tournament breaking a four-year drought. The terrific 2012 season ended in the first round of the national tournament with a loss to defending national champion University of Minnesota Duluth. Whitehead was fired on Tuesday April 9, 2013 after going 11–19–8.

Red Gendron Era (2013–present)

On May 17, 2013, University of Maine Paul W. Ferguson and Director of Athletics Steve Abbott introduced Red Gendron as the fifth men's hockey head coach in the history of the University of Maine. Gendron's first major step towards rebuilding Maine hockey came on June 10, 2013 when he named former Maine Black Bear and NHL player Ben Guité as his first assistant coach. On June 25, 2013, Gendron announced, longtime NHL coach and scout Jay Leach as associate head coach. Like Gendron, Leach previously served as an assistant coach for UMaine hockey under Shawn Walsh.

National Championships

Runners-up in 1995, 2002, 2004

Hockey East Tournament Championships

Runners-up in 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2012

Border War/ New Hampshire Wildcats

The Border War refers to the rivalry between The UNH Wildcats and the Maine Black Bears. College Hockey News has ranked it as the seventh best Division I college hockey rivalry. The Rivalry is extremely intense because of the proximity of the states and the overall success of the two programs. The two programs have also met many times in meaningful post-season games. In 1999 Maine defeated UNH 3–2 in overtime to claim their second national championship, this essentially started the chant "we have 2 how about you!" chanted by Maine fans. Then again in 2002 Maine beat UNH in the national semifinals for a chance at the national championship. Maine and UNH has also met in the hockey east playoffs many times fueling the rivalry even more. in 2012 Maine once again defeated UNH in a large scale game at Fenway Park winning 5–4 in overtime.

Boston College Eagles

The rivalry between Maine and BC is not one of as much publicity as that of Maine/UNH or BC/BU but is till intense all-the-same. Maine and BC have met in 7 Hockey East Championship games with Maine winning 2 of those championships, The teams have also met in 4 Hockey East semifinals with Maine winning 1 semifinal against BC. This rivalry is another rivalry where the success of both teams has contributed to the intensity of the games between the two teams. Maine and BC have also met in 2 national semifinals, Maine won both meetings, but never in a national championship game. Maine and BC have 7 combined National championships.

Boston University Terriers

The rivalry between Maine and BU is one much like Maine/BC. They've only met in 2 Hockey East Championship, games each team winning one. In 1993 Maine lost only one game all year to BU, this loss came after taking a large lead and blowing it. Maine and BU also met in the 1995 National Championship game, BU won the game 6–2. Maine and BU have met 6 times in the Hockey East semifinals, Maine has won all 6 semifinals. The intensity of the games, combined with the mutual dislike of the fans results in very heated games every time they meet.

Florida College Classic

The Florida College Classic is an annual single elimination tournament played in Estero, Florida at Germain Arena. The Tournament is co-hosted by Maine and Cornell each year, also 2 other teams will play to form a semifinal format. Since Shawn Walsh was so instrumental to the inception of the tournament the Most Outstanding Player receives the Shawn Walsh Memorial Trophy. Maine has won 6 Florida College Classics and has been to 8 title games in the tournaments first 13 years.

Current roster

As of January 18, 2017.

Hobey Baker Award Winners

The Hobey Baker Award is an annual award given to college hockey's most valuable player. The award is named after World War I hero Hobey Baker

Black Bears in the NHL

As of the 2009–2010 season, there are 48 former Black Bears who have played in the National Hockey League. Three of them have won the Stanley Cup: Dustin Penner, in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks and 2012 with the Los Angeles Kings; Scott Darling, in 2015 with the Chicago Blackhawks; and John Tortorella, in 2004 as a coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jimmy Howard was given a 2008 Stanley Cup ring, was included in the Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup photo, and was given a day with the Cup, but does not have his name engraved as he did not meet the games played requirements to do so.

Former Black Bears who have played in the NHL

Season-by-season record

Hockey East season-by-season record

Award winners/finalists

Steve Kariya:

Paul Kariya:

Scott Pellerin:

Chris Imes:

Jean-Yves Roy:

Jim Montgomery:

Mike Golden:

Dave Capuano:

Jim Leger:

Garth Snow:

Blair Allison:

Dan Shermerhorn:

Alfie Michaud:

David Cullen:

Niko Dimitrakos:

Michael Schutte:

Peter Metcalf:

Robert Liscak:

Michel Leveille:

Greg Moore:

Jimmy Howard:

Prestin Ryan:

Todd Jackson:

Spencer Abbott:

Colin Shields:

The (+) denotes a tie in total points at the end of the season.