Maine Black Bears Men's Hockey
When it comes to college hockey, few programs have as rich of a history as the Maine Black Bears. With over 1,000 wins and two national championships, the Black Bears have established themselves as one of the premier programs in the country. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about Maine Black Bears Men's Hockey.
History of Maine Black Bears Men's Hockey
The Maine Black Bears Men's Hockey program was founded in 1977, and it didn't take long for the team to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with. By 1986, Maine had made their first NCAA Tournament appearance, and the team won their first national championship just two years later.
Since then, the Black Bears have continued to be a consistent contender in college hockey. They've made the NCAA Tournament 23 times, and they've advanced to the Frozen Four six times. In addition to their two national championships, the Black Bears have also won five Hockey East tournament championships and two regular-season titles.
Notable Players and Coaches
Over the years, the Maine Black Bears Men's Hockey program has produced a number of notable players and coaches. Some of the most notable players include Paul Kariya, Scott Pellerin, and Garth Snow. Kariya is perhaps the most well-known of the group, as he went on to have a successful NHL career that included two Lady Byng Trophies and seven All-Star Game appearances.
On the coaching side, Maine has been led by a number of successful coaches over the years. Notably, Shawn Walsh coached the team for 17 seasons and won both national championships during his tenure. Current head coach Red Gendron has been with the program since 2013 and has continued to lead the team to success.
Facilities
The Maine Black Bears Men's Hockey program is fortunate to have some of the best facilities in all of college hockey. The team plays their home games at Alfond Arena, a 5,641-seat arena that opened in 1977. The arena has undergone several renovations over the years, including a $4.85 million renovation in 2013 that added new seats, a new sound system, and improved lighting.
In addition to Alfond Arena, the team has access to several other facilities that help them train and practice. The team's locker room, for example, underwent a $1 million renovation in 2016 that added new amenities and improved the overall layout of the space.
The Future of Maine Black Bears Men's Hockey
Looking ahead, the future of Maine Black Bears Men's Hockey looks bright. The team has continued to be competitive in recent years, and they're poised to make another run at the NCAA Tournament in the coming seasons.
One of the keys to the team's success is the recruiting efforts of head coach Red Gendron. Gendron has consistently brought in top talent to the program, and he's focused on developing a winning culture that extends beyond just the on-ice product.
Conclusion
All in all, the Maine Black Bears Men's Hockey program is one of the most storied and successful programs in all of college hockey. With a rich history, top-notch facilities, and a commitment to excellence, the team is well-positioned for continued success in the coming years.
