The University of Maine announced this week that Alex Gettens has been appointed the eighth head coach of its women’s ice hockey program, a move that signals the school’s confidence in a coach who already knows the campus intimately.
Gettens arrives after a ten‑year journey through collegiate coaching, most recently as an assistant at Colgate University where he helped steer the Raiders to an at‑large berth in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
His earlier tenure as an assistant at Maine from 2017 to 2018 coincided with the program’s most successful stretch in school history, a period during which the Black Bears posted a record number of wins.
Before that, Gettens honed his craft at the University of Vermont and began his career in 2011 leading the girls’ ice hockey team at St. Paul’s School, where he quickly earned a reputation for spotting talent.
During his time at Colgate, he coached five All‑ECAC selections and oversaw six players who later entered the Professional Women’s Hockey League draft, a testament to his player‑development acumen.
Gettens holds a bachelor of science in community entrepreneurship from the University of Vermont, earned in 2017, and he often cites that blend of analytical thinking and community focus as a cornerstone of his leadership style.
Colleagues and former players alike praise his enthusiasm, vision, and ability to forge strong team cultures both on and off the ice, qualities they say will be vital as the program looks to build on recent momentum.
A New Era for Maine Hockey
The appointment comes at a time when the university’s hockey community is eager for fresh ideas, and Gettens’ blend of experience and local insight positions him to guide the team toward new heights.
Fans can expect a continued emphasis on disciplined play, academic excellence, and a supportive environment that nurtures both athletic and personal growth.