UM’s Gendron joins Olympic staff

ORONO – University of Maine three-year assistant coach Dennis `Red’ Gendron has signed a letter of agreement to become an assistant coach with the 1994 United States Olympic Team.

He has asked for a one-year leave of absence from Maine head coach Shawn Walsh and Athletic Director Mike Ploszek.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to work in the game at its purest form, without the distractions of recruiting, NCAA paperwork and keeping abreast of the players’ academics,” said the 35-year-old Gendron. “My job with the Olympic team will entail a lot of video work and the scouting of opponents.”

Gendron said he will establish a video library on every opponent, including their tendencies, and he will put together motivational tapes for his own players. His video work will also focus on the performance and assessment of the U.S. players.

His video expertise, on-ice work and recruiting were instrumental in Maine’s national championship drive this year.

Gendron, who has coached in the USA Hockey program since 1988 and has worked with several selects teams, said his time at Maine has been very well spent.

“I can’t begin to describe how wonderful an experience it has been for me at Maine,” said Gendron. “I’ve been able to learn so much from Shawn and Grant (assistant Grant Standbrook) and I’ll also have my master’s degree in education admininstration. Winning a national championship this year is the fulfillment of a dream.”

He will leave to join the U.S. Team for the World Championships in Germany later this month.

Maine goalies Garth Snow and Mike Dunham will play for the U.S. Team in the World Championships and Bear left winger and Hobey Baker Award winner Paul Kariya will play for the Canadian team.