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.

Robert Corkum today was named interim head coach of University of Maine men’s ice hockey by UMaine Director of Athletics Steve Abbott.

Corkum replaces Tim Whitehead, who was released from his contract April 9. A formal national search for a permanent men’s ice hockey coach will begin immediately with the formation of a search committee.

Corkum, a UMaine alumnus, has been an associate head coach with the university’s men’s ice hockey program since 2008.

“Bob Corkum was a great Black Bear and NHL player,” says Abbott. “He did a terrific job as an associate head coach and I am confident that he can give us stability during this time of transition.”

Corkum, played for Maine from 1985–89 and went on to a 12-year National Hockey League career. While a Black Bear, he helped build the foundation of the UMaine program, serving as captain in 1988–89. He was part of the university’s first three NCAA Tournament teams and played in NCAA Frozen Fours in both 1988 and 1989. In 1988, Corkum was named UMaine’s Most Inspirational Player.

Corkum was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres and went on to play 720 games in the National Hockey League for seven teams. He finished his professional career with 97 goals and 103 assists for 200 career points. During the 2000–01 season, Corkum played in the Stanley Cup finals for the New Jersey Devils, scoring a short-handed goal against Colorado and NHL Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy.

Since his playing career, Corkum has built an impressive coaching resume in a short amount of time. He has spent part of the past two summers coaching with USA Hockey. In 2012, Corkum served as assistant coach of the 2012 U.S. Under-18 Select Team. The team played five games in the Czech Republic and Slovakia during August. During summer 2011, Corkum was head coach of the 2011 U.S. Under-17 Select Team. The team posted a 4-0-0 mark en route to the Five Nations Title with wins over the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Germany and Slovakia.

Corkum came to Maine from the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs of the Eastern Junior Hockey League, where he was associate head coach from 2006–08. He was responsible for recruiting players along with working with individuals and small groups in skill development. The Junior Monarchs were successful under his guidance, as the team finished as Tier III Junior A National Champion in both 2007 and 2008. The Monarchs were Co-EJHL Season Champions in 2008, and finished as EJHL Season Champions and Playoff Champions in 2007.

“I have fond memories of my time here as a players and a coach,” says Corkum. “My mission as coach is to give our student-athletes the same experience I had during my four years here at the University of Maine.”

Corkum, and his wife, Jessica, have four children: Carley, Kelen, Cain and Koby. They are also proud grandparents. Carley, and her husband, Jason Lovejoy, have a son, Parker Andrew, and reside in Westboro, Mass.

University of Maine President Paul Ferguson has announced that the University will buy out the last year of Coach Tim Whitehead’s contract, ending his appointment as head coach after 11 seasons. This announcement follows several weeks of intense discussions with constituents of the University of Maine Men’s Ice Hockey Program that included current and former players, coaches, fans, donors, faculty, university administrators and Coach Whitehead. This action is effective April 9, 2013.

“Tim’s positive character and demonstrated commitment to developing our hockey players as student-athletes have been outstanding,” said President Ferguson. “We as a university are grateful for that commitment to student success.”

In supporting this decision, Director of Athletics Steve Abbott added, “This is about the future of our marquee program. Since 2008, UMaine has experienced declining Hockey East success, season ticket sales and overall ticket revenues, and waning student engagement in men’s ice hockey. The President and I are committed to ensuring that our Men’s Hockey Program is financially sustainable, continues to focus on developing the student-athlete and is known nationally for excellence.”

In a statement, Coach Whitehead said: “It has been an honor to serve as the Head Coach of the Menís Hockey Team at the University of Maine for the past 12 years. My family and I feel blessed to have been part of the Maine Hockey family, and we will always cherish the relationships we have built, both at the University and in the Bangor Community.

“The Maine hockey fans are the best in the country, and they have a lot to look forward to for next season and beyond,” Whitehead said. “I love our returning core of players and our incoming recruits. I’m confident this team will build on our strong second half this season, and that they will compete among the top programs in the nation next year.”

Whitehead had one year remaining on a four-year extension of his employment contract negotiated in 2010. In choosing not to pursue an additional extension from discussions with Coach Whitehead, the University will provide up to $195,000 related to one year’s salary, plus one month’s salary in lieu of notice. President Ferguson will use only privately raised funds from the President’s Discretionary Account to meet that obligation and no funds will be reallocated from the current university budget committed to academic programs, faculty, student or operational needs. Abbott has indicated that the Athletics Department is committed to reimbursing the President’s investment through anticipated revenues generated by renewing fan interest and increased ticket sales.

A formal national search for a new men’s ice hockey coach will begin immediately with the formation of a search committee.