A Strategic Hire for the Black Bears
Alex Gettens has been named the new head coach of the University of Maine’s women’s ice hockey program, taking over from Molly Engstrom, who departed to join the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Detroit team.
Gettens returns to Orono after a notable stint as an assistant during the 2017‑18 season, a period in which the Black Bears set a program‑record 19 wins and rose to eighth in the national polls.
His recent two‑year tenure at Colgate University helped the Raiders secure an at‑large berth in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, while his six seasons at the University of Vermont culminated in a promotion to associate head coach for the 2023‑24 campaign.
University of Maine Athletic Director Jude Killy praised Gettens’ enthusiasm and his vision for comprehensive excellence, noting that his deep knowledge of Hockey East, the Northeast region, and prior experience with the program make him an ideal fit.
Killy added that Gettens’ familiarity with the conference and his proven ability to develop talent position the Black Bears for sustained success as they aim to climb higher in the national rankings.