Search Committee Formed for New UMaine Ice Hockey Coach

University of Maine Director of Athletics Steve Abbott has announced formation of a seven-member search committee to help identify the new head coach of the UMaine men’s ice hockey team.

The search committee will begin work immediately and seek to provide the director of athletics with the names of recommended candidates within the next two months, to be forwarded for a final decision by UMaine President Paul Ferguson.

Robert Corkum was named interim head coach of UMaine men’s ice hockey on April 10, replacing Tim Whitehead, who was released from his contract April 9. Corkum, a UMaine alumnus who played on the UMaine hockey team (1985–89) and then 12 years in the NHL, has been an associate head coach with the university’s men’s ice hockey program since 2008.

“Our aspiration with this coaching search will be to find that individual who can best build upon the significant successes of both Shawn Walsh and Tim Whitehead, and rekindle the collective spirit, energy and support of the entire Black Bear Hockey Nation,” says UMaine President Paul Ferguson.

Dr. George Jacobson, professor emeritus of biology, ecology and climate change, and the university’s former NCAA faculty athletic representative, will chair the search committee. Jacobson joined the UMaine faculty in 1979 and serves as the Maine State Climatologist. In addition to his years of research and service to the state, which included his role as a member of the “Faculty Five,” advancing research funding in the state of Maine, Jacobson has played an integral role in UMaine athletics. He has served on numerous search committees for coaches and athletic directors, athletic advisory committees and America East Conference committees.

“Through his participation in numerous head coach searches, and with experience as the NCAA faculty representative, George understands the necessary balance needed in athletics related to competition and student academic success,” says Abbott.

Joining Jacobson on the search committee will be:

Cherie Damon, president and long-time member of Friends of Maine Hockey, recipient of the 2011 Friends of Maine Hockey Volunteer of the Year Award and parent of a former player.

Dr. Nic Erhardt, UMaine assistant professor of management in the Maine Business School, faculty liaison to the men’s hockey team, and member of the Athletic Advisory Board. Erhardt played semi-professional hockey in Sweden.

Peter Metcalf, UMaine alumnus (Business, ’02), Portland business leader in financial advising and former professional hockey player. Metcalf was a defenseman when the Black Bears went to the 1999 National Championship and a captain of the 2002 team that was national runner-up.

Dr. Richard Powell, UMaine associate professor of political science, and director of the Peter Madigan ’81 Congressional Internship Program and the Kenneth Palmer Maine State Legislative Internship Program. Powell has been involved in hockey as a player, coach and administrator for more than 40 years in Michigan and Maine.

Jon Sorenson, UMaine alumnus (Economics, ’86), Massachusetts business leader in the energy industry, member of Business and Engineering Advisory Boards, co-chair of Black Bears of Boston, founder of the Boston Executive Club of the University of Maine, and a strong UMaine hockey supporter.

Janine Tremble, UMaine alumna (Merchandising, ’86), marketing specialist with Maine Savings and president elect of the Black Bear Board of Advisors.