Maine in the 1990s was life-changing. “All of the wonderful things that have happened to us since that time would not have been possible if not for the University of Maine, Shawn Walsh, Grant Standbrook, and all of the champion players and coaches who were part of our first Maine experience. The energy and passion within and surrounding this program are inspiring and have not diminished in my absence,” Gendron says. Gendron earned a master’s degree in education from UMaine in 1993. USA Hockey uses Gendron’s book, “Coaching Hockey Successfully,” as the advanced-level manual for its coaching education program. Gendron is fluent in French and speaks some Russian. He graduated in 1979 from New England College in Henniker, N.H, where he was a three-year hockey captain. He and his wife, Janet have two daughters, Katelyn and Allison.
What They Are Saying About Coach Gendron: UMaine President Paul Ferguson: “Our primary goal in this search was to find an individual who could bring the best balance to our men’s hockey program as a nationally competitive team on the ice and support our student-athletes’ preparation for the future based upon solid academic foundations. We are so pleased to have found that individual in Red Gendron, who personifies that balance. His personal passion for the Black Bears and UMaine is extraordinary and will no doubt unite the Black Bear Nation.” UMaine Director of Athletics Steve Abbott: “Red Gendron truly appreciates both the history of this great hockey program and the potential that exists here to compete for Hockey East and national championships. He is an enthusiastic competitor who loves this university and is passionate about Maine hockey.” Search Committee Chair Dr. George Jacobson: “President Ferguson asked our committee to identify the best candidates for head coach of the University of Maine men’s ice hockey program. We were focused and diligent in identifying the characteristics of the ideal coach, in finding candidates who fit the needs of our program and in evaluating candidates. The final group included several coaches who could have filled the role with distinction. “We intensely challenged one another and the candidates. In the end, the candidates themselves demonstrated who best matches the culture of our institution and the great Black Bear hockey community in Maine and around the world,” Jacobson says. “Coach Gendron has excellent understanding of leadership and motivation. He is highly intelligent, well-educated and articulate. And he knows the game of ice hockey at the highest level.”
Coach Gendron on the bench as part of the Yale staff. 2013-14 MEN’S HOCKEY MEDIA GUIDE
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