x
Breaking News
More () »

42-1-2 : 25 Years Later

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of Maine ice hockey's first national title.

Jessica Gagne (NEWS CENTER Maine), Liam Nee

Published: 12:49 AM EDT April 3, 2018
Updated: 7:16 PM EDT April 3, 2018

The University of Maine men's hockey team made history 25 years ago today on April 3, 1993, when it won its first national title in program history. The first New England team not based in Boston to win an NCAA championship — a feat unmatched until Yale's win in 2013. But by then, of course, Maine had already won title No. 2 in 1999.

A promising bid for glory during the 1991-92 season ended abruptly in the first round of the tournament. The Black Bears would enter the next season without several stars, including its first-ever Hobey Baker Award winner Scott Pellerin who turned pro. But all was not lost: the team had successfully energized a fanbase, capturing the attention of a statewide audience, and welcomed in a talented freshmen class.

At the time, the Black Bears were the closest thing Maine had to a professional sports team.

The Maine Guides left for Pennsylvania in 1989; the Maine Mariners had just played their final season before relocating to Providence in 1992; Portland's next AHL franchise, the Pirates, wouldn't arrive until summer 1993; and Sea Dogs' double-A baseball, already in the works, wouldn't officially begin competition until 1994.

But this team surely didn't lack professional talent. The Black Bears under Coach Shawn Walsh finished their 1992-93 regular season conference play near-perfect, going 22-1-1, scoring a whopping 1.5 goals per game (6.75) more than the next best team, Boston University (5.25). Maine had the conference's top three players in points and goals scored, and goalie Garth Snow led in both goals against average and save percentage.

Overall, the team went 42-1-2 — an astonishing display of dominance. The tournament would bring excitement, suspense and gratifying victory shared by all Maine fans.

NEWS CENTER Maine's Jessica Gagne breaks down Maine's historic 1993 championship season by highlighting some of the greatest moments through film. Stay tuned for coverage throughout the day Tuesday as she and Bill Green visit Orono to reminisce about the anniversary and speak with current head coach Red Gendron, who was an assistant coach under Walsh from 1990 to 1993.

Before You Leave, Check This Out