Alex Gettens has returned to the University of Maine as the head coach of the women's hockey program, bringing with him a track record that includes guiding Colgate to the NCAA tournament in 2025 and a stint as an assistant coach with Maine during the 2017‑18 season.
The Black Bears have endured a modest history, recording only six winning seasons in their 30‑year existence and finishing last year at 13‑19‑4 without a conference semifinal appearance since 2022. Despite this, attendance has been on the rise, with an average of 556 fans per game last season, placing Maine among the few Division I programs that draw more than a thousand fans on a regular basis.
Athletic director Jude Killy has articulated a clear vision: to transform Maine's hockey programs into top national competitors. Gettens echoes this ambition, emphasizing an aggressive playing style, self‑belief, and the importance of patience as the team is built class by class.
A New Era for Maine Hockey
Returning captain Mikayla Boarder believes the new coaching staff can provide the necessary push for the team's success, and she is confident that Gettens' approach will translate into tangible progress on the ice.