“Unfortunately, we’re going through a transition period here,” said Whitehead. “We have a very young team and it takes time for guys to develop chemistry and learn how to execute our systems.

---------------

How many more YEARS is the "transition period" going to be Whitehead??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Here we go AGAIN...talk..talk...talk......always now they solve the problems in the newpaper....ya right...get a CLUE Whitehead the BIGGEST problem is yourself...look in the mirror and take the blame....you've driven this program into the ground the last 4 years...start by producing on the ice sheet.....this PROGRAM is a MESS.....needs to be BIG TIME changes at the end of the season and the first is showing the coach the door at the end of the season,second find a A.D. that WANTS to be at UMaine and has the fans interest....not just those juicy football deals.....it's time for a WAKE-UP call at UM sports..................there are people out there that would love to take over at UM HKy program....start a list of Corkum,Montgomery,Gendron,Perron and then get a list of 6-8 from other programs around the college hockey world.....if nothing is done you can forget the days of playing for Hockey East wins and Championships...playing in the NCAA's and the ever chance of being a contender for the Nat. Championship and being tabbed in the top 20 week in and week out......everyone KNOWS the problem..........FIX IT.....but they most likely will not....better to have a half empty Alfond Arena,lose the away fans also,and,and,and...it just never ends these days.....what a SAD situation.............like I said..."WHAT a MESS." ~~~~ "SAVE UMaine HKy Now." ~~~~ DUMP WHitehead.

I cant even stand to look at his picture anymore,,,, Dump Whitehead... Hire montgomery

The AP college hockey polls came out this morning. Alabama-Huntsville got votes; Maine did not! Alaska -Ankorage got votes, Maine did not! Canasius got votes, Maine did not!

This weekend and every home game from now on; PASS the HAT. Use collection to buy out Whitehead's contract. By year end , you should have collected at least $ 2.89,,,,,,,,,,well enough to close the deal!

Will one of you Monday morning goalies tell us what exactly is Coach Whitehead doing or not doing, that is ruining the program? I guess everyone but me knows what the problem is.

Oh how times have changed. As a member of the graduating class of 1993, I have fond memories of sitting in the student section behind the goal under the sky boxes watching our beloved Black Bears play inspired and beautiful hockey. Any errors or mistakes brought the wrath of Coach Walsh, unlike the excuses of Mr. Whitehead. Maybe in some strange supernatural way, by disrespecting the philanthropist alumni Stephen and Tabitha King and their fine radio station coverage on WZON, the athletic gods have turned their backs to UMaine. Either way, I must agree with the previous posts. Both the inept Mr. Whitehead and Athletic "Director" Mr. James must be released from their positions. Until then, you can find me at the Newman Gymnasium or Winkin Complex on the campus of Husson University.

Here's an idea, someone at the University hire a private detective. Have that person go and ask what is said to junior players, players on the USNDP and player family advisors about whether they should play at Maine. When you find that even the "elite" players from Maine are being told in no uncertain terms, NOT to play for Whitehead, then MAYBE, just MAYBE they will begin to see what the problem is, and that Whitehead does not have what it takes to right the ship.

As for the "system" it does not work. It did not work when there were a bunch of All Americans on the team, and it does not work now.

I have to ask who writes this stuff, "Natural winger Robby Dee, a junior, converted defenseman Carriere and freshmen Matt Mangene and Klas Leidermark were the centers." I watched the games and I saw Dekastrozza taking half the team's faceoffs on Saturday night, he looked like he was getting double and triple shifted, and doing a very good chasing pucks down on the forecheck, AT CENTER.

"Will one of you Monday morning goalies tell us what exactly is Coach Whitehead doing or not doing, that is ruining the program? I guess everyone but me knows what the problem is."

First of all, let's take his quote from one of the game articles over the weekend, "You have to go all out every minute of the game" This coming from the same coach who, after his team jumped out to a 2-0 lkead four minutes intio the game with MSU in the NCAA semis, told his players to not take chances and conserve their energy. Now, where do you suppose a bunch of players might get the idea they don't have to go all out every minute of the game?

Second, his continued tactic of sending three forwards into the corners after pucks, leaving no one in front of the net or in the slot to receive a pass should they gain possession. You don't score from the corner, tyou need players in front of the net.

Third, how many years have we seen now where Maine is just unable to clear the puck out of their own defensive end? You think maybe they might work on that in practrice? What happened to all the quick, short, indirect passes off the boards?

Fourth, when's the last time you saw a Maine defensemen muscle a guy from in front of his own net, just level a guy? Instead, they stand there and play ticky tack poke-check defense for tens of seconds, allowing their opponent second and third shots on net, to just stand there in front of the net hacking away at the puck instead of just knocking them on their butts so they don't get any shot off. TIMMAY won't allow his defense to play physical because he's afraid of taking penalties as a result. And yet, how many hitting from behind, too many men on the ice, charging and roughing in the offensive end, hitting after the whistle etc. penalties have we seen in the past four years? Lem Randall anyone?

In short, this is a team short on discipline, short on hockey fundamentals, and short on basic x's and O's of the game. Others who have more inside knowledge of what's going on in the program, and of the intricacies of the game, can offer ore insight into this

“Unfortunately, we’re going through a transition period here,” said Whitehead. “We have a very young team and it takes time for guys to develop chemistry and learn how to execute our systems.

“The bottom line is that the players aren’t comfortable with the systems yet,” added Whitehead. “We’ve had only five or six practices. When you aren’t sure where you’re supposed to be, you’re going to be hesitant. Once they get the systems down, we’ll have a better team than last year.”

Is this a quote borrowed from last year's story at this time?

And is Adam Shemansky any relation to "Too Tall" Tom?

And point five: Remember TIMMAY's other comment about how dismayed he was that his team came out flat Saturday night? How, "it won't happen again'? Has he been asleep for the past four years? Or has he finally just now realized that his job is on a very thin tether?

How many times over the past four years has this team come out flat for games? Or play a good period, and then come out flat for the next one? How many times? And TIMMAY's finally just noticing this?

Isn't it the coach's job to make sure his team doesn't come out flat? Is ready and motivated to play the game? So why do his teams come out flat so many times? Not just a game here or there, but seemingly, at least once a weekend. How do his teams come out and play a spectacular period, and then come out of the locker room and do nothing the next period? Anyone remember the Brown game in Portland a few years ago? 50 minutes of dull, listless play from the Black Bears, and then suddenly ten minutes where they looked absolutely unstoppable. If they had played the way they played those last ten minutes, every game the entire season, they wouldn't have lost more than three or four games that season.

How many times have they started out on fire in October, only to spend the next couple of months in a fog, only coming alive when their backs were to the wall and an NCAA appearance was on the line?

The aforementioned year, 2007, when they lost to MSU in the NCAA semis, how they slep-walked down the stretch and barely made the tournament field based solely on their wins against strong teams early in the season? The 2008 season where they did the same, played well the last coiuple of weeks when their nbacks were against the wall, but ended up on missing the playoffs and NCAA's entirely? Last season, winning three games after January? How many games in those periods where they looked uninterested, dispirited, like they would rather be doing anything rather than playing hockey? Isn't that the coach's responsibility, to make sure they're ready to play, every game, every minute?

I just want to reiterate what is being said here. I have held season tickets for over 15 years for U-Maine hockey. The effort and excitement to get the opportunity to purchase tickets at the time was unbelievable. Hopeful hockey fans were placed on a list that was carried forward for years to allow them a chance at purchasing tickets. Take a good look at the tactics being used today to put people in seats at the alfond arena. The once bustling rink is lucky to reach half capacity. What more needs to be said? Does everyone forget the state of the hockey program at Lowell under Mr. Whitehead’s leadership? It was on the brink of elimination. The problem is not with the athletes as they are more the victims in a misguided program. These young men need to be shown leadership, direction work ethic and skill building to name only a few. The most obvious and important ingredient missing is respect for their leader. Without that respect for Mr. Whitehead there is no future for the program. I’m sorry to say he cannot command it with his limited abilities, actions, excuses and poor leadership from behind the bench. I will not point fingers at those who I feel responsible for letting this problem get to this magnitude without intervention. I do ask that decisions be made for the benefit of U-Maine and the hockey program immediately. This year the entire section of fans where our tickets were is empty. We all collectively decided not to sit and watch this sad situation any longer. After so many years of support financially and emotionally cheering on our team we couldn’t support the lack of direction being demonstrated from Mr. Whitehead.

I really can't comment of the coaching issues of UMaine's hockey program, but I don't see this as a completely UMO systemic problem.

As a hockey player, looking towards the pros to further your career, why on earth would you want to travel hours up the interstate to the middle of nowhere to play in Orono Maine? Leaving Juniors out of the question, what athlete wants to play up here when they can play in Boston or Minnesota where hockey fans go to games regardless if the team is winning (fair-weather fans galore in these parts.)

Now lets bring Juniors into the equation. How far down the list of best NHLers do we have to go before we find a former NCAA player, let alone a 3 or 4 Year one? The only type of player in his right mind who would want to come to UMO are: players won can't play in juniors. Aren't good enough to get drafted or sing pro contracts or players who need development in size, decision making, or maturity, and can't get into a program in Boston, MN, or any other ranked program ahead of UMO. That's pretty slim pickin's to make a top tier collegiate hockey roster from.

Another issue is age. Go check out UMOs roster and see the age of the players. You can't. They're listed by year in school. That's because most of them didn't join the university and 18. Many stuck it our in Juniors til they couldn't play anymore, and then headed to college around 20, as a last ditch to make it Pro. It works for some, don't get me wrong. There are players out there who after a year or two more of development thrive after they join a pro team. But most of these UMO players aren't even AHLers at best. Look at Brendan Walsh's great career here, then see what he did after graduation.

Put Jack Adams or Jack Parker behind the bench and this team isn't going to fair any better. UMaine Hockey has seen its peak and now, much like other things in this state its slowly fading away.

Hi everyone. I'm having a hard time deciding which is my favorite, but after a little thought, I think I've settled on this excuse.

Maine has 13 freshman and sophmores!!!!!! Of course they're struggling. 13 freshmen and sophs, on a roster of about 26. That only leaves room for....(counts on fingers)....13 juniors and seniors.

Here's a quicker and more accurate explanation. We saw some slow starts, slow finishes, and bad decisions because....it was a Maine game. There's the truth.

Let's not forget, Miami U played for a national championship last season with a roster that had 14 freshmen and sophomores.

So TIMMAY, that excuse just doesn't work. it was old two seasons ago, now it's practically petrified. As the first comment here said, how many years does this 'transition' have left to go?

Miami is rated # 1 in the polls this week.

1) 18 yrs olds don't play at Maine anymore because 18 D-1 hockey players are the top tier talent that's why Maine goes after the 20-21 yr olds

2) The only 5-6 practices excuse is BS. Every team starts practicing at the same time per NCAA rules...so Union's non-scholarship players caught on faster than Maines scholarship players

3) I have never heard so much marketing for Maine Tiickets...used to be you couldn't get them now you can't give em away

4) Umaine better listen to the fans...attendance says it all

5) The no one wants to play in Orono is also BS. Top tier programs+scholarships+top coaching/NHL connections= I'll play for you. These kids leave home at 16 yrs old to go live out of state to ply for top programs so they can get a scholarship. Orono doesn't matter. Kariya, Pellerin, Montgomery, Carney, any goalie past 12 years all came to orono and they didn't live in the city.

Bye Bye Tim and take Blake with you to your next D3 coaching gig.

thats a stupid comment UnknownMember.. thats like saying why go to Nebraska and play football??? you sure you play any sports?

@UnkownMember - You're onto something, except the issue isn't necessarily due to the remote location of UMO.

The issue has more to do with the youth hockey programs in the area (more later). Minnesota, Michigan, & Boston have a built in feeder system. Everyone wants to go play for the team that they cheered for growing up. We have that in Maine too....the problem is we have a bit of a population/hockey registration difference between Minnesota, Michigan, & Boston. It sure is a lot easier to recruit when the BEST players from the BEST hockey populations want to play for your team. Of course, it's always easier to recruit when you are winning, but even when the big schools are losing, most local kids will want to play for their hometown because of the tradition.

@patriots1 - Nebraska is in the same boat as UMO - why would you go to Nebraska and play football right now? Huskers ended their season "not ranked" 5 out of last 7 years. The top players in the country are going elsewhere unless you're a farmboy from Nebraska.

As for the youth hockey programs - with a top notch D-1 program in our backyard - we should be busting at the seams. Unfortunately, this is not the case. I don't know the exact reason as I am from "away", but my guess is the expense and the lack of access to ice. 3 sheets of ice (2 of which are in tough shape) is not enough for the population.

As for Coach Whitehead - there is only so much a coach can do. This is not the pros - you cannot trade away your bad players, or "call-up" players from the farm team when someone goes down due to an injury. You are stuck with what you have and you have to make the best of it.

Nobody likes to see their team lose, but that is what makes winning so much sweeter.

There is a definite amount of responsibillty to go around for the sad state of affairs with the Hockey program. It starts with the Board of trustees and works its way down through President Kennedy and the AD. Whitehead is not a Division 1 coach. It was proven during his tenure at UMass-Lowell . We know that coach Walsh anointed Whitead to be his successor ; and, the Program has subsequently suffered bigtime. You can't blame the loss of Grant Stanbrook as the chief recruiter for the current mess. Alot of blue chip players want to play for quality programs and good coaches. Just look no further than the three propects from York County who wanted to play for coach York at BC and stated so in the Portland Press Hearld last Spring. Look , the bottom line is that these are tough economic times we're living in : and, we all know that UMO is feeling it. The best way to get the Alumni to maintain or even increase support for the Athletic programs is to get quality people to run the programs. Yes , it takes money to get these guys; but, not to even try is to lose support of present Alumni base . Thanks, Peter C.

UnknownMember is the only one talking sense in here. Most of the rest of you are fairweather fans! The best Maine fans are the ones who will continue to go regardless of the teams play. You don't know how good you have it here. You get to see a level of hockey that few who live in the boonies do. Maine plays in the best conference in college hockey. Name any other sport played at Maine where you get to see future pro players night in and night out, regardless of what color sweater they are wearing. And I'm talking pros that contribute, not the special teams and bit players that 1AA football generally produces. But you fairweathers don't understand that, because to you, the only hockey worth watching is Maine hockey, but only when they win. As a fan of all levels of hockey, I enjoy watching the random NHL game and seeing some of the players who I remember coming into Alfond for a game. Sure, changes should be made to the coaching staff if this young group does not develop into a winner. But in the mean time, we all should enjoy what we do have, as what would we do in the winter if there were no Maine hockey at all?

WhiteheadsExcuse, the 13 freshmen and sophomores Whitehead spoke of were just the ones PLAYING this weekend. In case you don't know, you can only DRESS 20 for a game. So that means there were only 7 juniors and seniors dressed, and one of those was the third string goalie. So, now how young does the team look? You idiots are out on this witch hunt, and are skewing all the numbers to make your point. The simple fact is, this is the youngest the team has ever been. Look at the top 15 skaters and their starting goalie, and you will see that most of that group are year 1 and 2 players. That group of 16 will log 90% of the ice time this year. The rest of the 26 on the roster are depth and nothing more. They will only play when one of the others gets hurt, or at best, play on the 4th line, 5-6 minutes a game. If Whitehead's excuse now is rookie mistakes, then it would be fair to assume they should not be making them in January. We'll see.

And saying that 13 players on a football team are freshmen, that is ridiculous to compare that to hockey. Football has around 60 players on its roster, so having 13 freshman shows they are largely an upper classman team. Another example of skewing stats to make a point. Only a dummy would not see through that.

One final point, superbad wrote "Kariya, Pellerin, Montgomery, Carney, any goalie past 12 years all came to orono and they didn't live in the city." Every one of them came to be coached by Grant Standbrook. He is the real genius behind the program, not Walsh, and certainly not Whitehead. Sure, Walsh was a great motivator, but players going to the NHL don't need motivation, they need to be developed, and that is what Standbrook did best. The recent decline of UMaine is mostly due to his retirement. We are no longer getting the NHL-bound talent because we don't have that individual talent developer we used to have in Standbrook.

Wake-UP hockeydad99....UMiami/Ohio is a college hockey team that played in the NAT. CHAMP. game vs BU this spring...with young players and the Fair-Weather Part is BS...it's the ones that care that open their mouths...not make excuses...so get with it....and get your FACTS straight.

I guess hockeydad is happy about Maine losing to teams like Union and Bentley. Doesn't feel that's a sign of problems at all, just the usual ups and downs of hockey.

Losing to BU or BC, or North Dakota, that's acceptable. Losing to Union and Bentley isn't. It's just that simple.

The season is over. Its going to be a long winter. The hockey team is now as good as the basketball teams. What a shame. Mediocre as the rest of the athletic program.

Well

hockeydad, you're right about the issue of players dressed for a game vs. players on the entire roster. I knew I was taking liberties with Whitehead's quote. But answer me this: Who is responsible for *needing* to play 13 freshmen and sophomores? I don't want to hear about Purcell and Sweetland. If the staff didn't know that they were taking a chance on losing Purcell by sending him back to the USHL for an extra season before bringing him to Orono, shame on them. There was no surprise.

You can't claim that you're a victim of circumstances when you're the guy who's paid to *make* the circumstances.