ORONO (NEWS CENTER Maine) — The University of Maine gave Red Gendron the green light to continue his work to build the men's hockey team into a winner.
The two-year contract extension announced on Thursday will keep Gendron as head coach until at least June 30, 2021.
“Our players, our coaches and our staff all know how very bright our program’s future is," Gendron said in a written statement. "Everyone in our program craves the work and relishes the challenges of doing their parts to propel Maine to the summit of college hockey."
Gendron has served as head coach of the Black Bears since 2013, but his experience at UMaine dates back even further. He contributed to the 1993 NCAA National Championship team as an assistant coach under Shawn Walsh. Gendron then left Orono to explore other opportunities before returning to lead the program.
His latest season ended with a record of 18-16-4 and a trip to the Hockey East quarterfinals.
"The coaching staff’s guidance of our players has allowed them to succeed on the ice and in the classroom," said Interim Athletics Director Jim Settele. "With a returning core of solid players and some fantastic recruits, expectations are high for next year, and we look forward to Coach Gendron leading the way.”
By the end of next season, Gendron will have 40 years of coaching under his belt.