UMaine Hockey Celebrates 40 Years

UMaine hockey and the Alfond Arena celebrate 40 years of college hockey this weekend as the Black Bears host rival UNH tonight and tomorrow night.

Here's a look at planned events...

• Friday, Jan. 19: Celebration Luncheon - 12:00-1:30 p.m. Celebration lunch on Friday at Sea Dog Brewing Company from 12:00-1:30 p.m. with special guests: Maine head coach, Red Gendron, and New Hampshire head coach Dick Umile.

• Friday, Jan. 19: Maine vs. New Hampshire - 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday, Jan. 20: Public Skate at Alfond Arena - 4:15-5:15 p.m.

• Saturday, Jan. 20: Maine vs. New Hampshire - 7:30 p.m. White Out Night at Alfond Arena as the Black Bears battle the Wildcats. All fans will get a free t-shirt courtesy of W.S. Emerson.

Jack Semler coached that first team in 1977-78 as a member of the ECAC. The Black Bears finished the season with a 15-12 record. Semler was head coach for the first seven years.

Shawn Walsh took over the program for the 1984-85 season and coached for 17 years. The Bears captured the national championship in 1992-93 and then again in 1998-99.

NOTE: The Black Bears enter the weekend with at 12-9-2 (6-6-1 HE). The Wildcats are 9-11-2 (4-7-1)