UMaine hockey finds next head coach in Ben Barr
ORONO, Maine (BVM) — After hiring Ben Guite as interim head coach last month, the University of Maine has found its next full-time leader in coach Ben Barr. The former associate head coach at the University of Massachusetts will become just the fifth head coach in Black Bearsβ history.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ben Barr to the University of Maine,” Director of Athletics Ken Ralph said. “He brings with him an amazing track record of success in collegiate hockey. In a very competitive field of candidates, Ben stood alone with his comprehensive plan for building and sustaining success for UMaine hockey. It was also clear from the research we conducted with people throughout the hockey world that we have hired the exact right person for the job. Our Black Bears are in great hands with Coach Barr behind the bench.”
ππππΎπππ to Orono, @CoachBarrMaine π€
Details ππΌhttps://t.co/SoL6jkYCko#BlackBearNation | #HockeyEast pic.twitter.com/vwz1loUTl9
— Maine Athletics (@BlackBearNation) May 12, 2021
The 39-year-old hockey coach comes to the University of Maine with 15 years of assistant coaching experience. Barr has maintained his role at UMass since 2016, helping lead the program to its first national championship this past season, along with back-to-back NCAA Tournament Frozen Four appearances the last two seasons with a tournament.
“Being named the fifth head coach of the Maine Black Bears is an incredible honor and very humbling,” Barr said. “There is a tremendous sense of responsibility and pride from all of the student-athletes and coaches that have passed through this program, and we will bring that passion with us as we build a program which reflects the values of the State and University of Maine.Β
βThe past year has taught us that we can not take anything for granted. Black Bear Hockey is an essential part of the University and the community, and I know the people of Maine are eager to see their Black Bears compete for Hockey East and NCAA Championships again.β
Barr will be replacing long-time head coach Red Gendron, who tragically passed away last month. After a down year in 2021, Barr will look to get the Black Bears back on track after a 3-11-2 season.
