Walsh’s wife gives thanks for tribute More than 400 at ceremony for hockey coach

ORONO – She had to pause on a couple of occasions to compose herself.

But a remarkably strong Lynne Walsh told approximately 400 people how much her late husband, University of Maine hockey coach Shawn Walsh, appreciated the state, the campus, and the quality of life he enjoyed during his 17 years behind the Bear bench.

Walsh, whose life was celebrated at a 11/2-hour tribute at Alfond Arena Wednesday night, died on Sept. 24 after a 15-month struggle with kidney cancer.

“What a wonderful tribute to a man who never settled for [giving] less than his best,” said the former Lynne Vickery, who urged the well-wishers to give interim head coach Tim Whitehead and team members a standing ovation in a show of support for them.

“Shawn loved this time of year. He would call me to say ‘hi’ and would tell me he had just gone for a run through the campus and how beautiful it was. He would say how lucky and thankful he was to be here,” said Lynne Walsh.

She thanked University of Maine president Peter Hoff and athletic director Sue Tyler for their support along with close friends Harold Alfond, Chris Hutchins, and Larry Mahaney; the faculty; current and former coaches and players, and the fans who played such a pivotal role in Maine’s rise to prominence.

She also said she had the “inside scoop” on this year’s team and said it has “immense talent, character, chemistry and inner drive.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend’s [IceBreaker Cup Tournament] with great anticipation,” said Lynne, who received a standing ovation after she finished her talk.

The list of speakers also included Father Gerard Gosselin of St. John’s Catholic Church in Bangor, Hoff, Tyler, Maine football coach Jack Cosgrove, Whitehead, current players Mike Morrison and Peter Metcalf, state representative Jonathan R. Thomas of Orono, and Betty Donovan, the president of the Friends of Maine Hockey boosters group.

Donovan said they have established a Shawn Walsh Memorial Endowment Fund with the donations going to the hockey program.

Cosgrove said the Maine coaching staff is a team “and Shawn was our captain. He was the very best at what we do.”

Morrison talked about growing up in Medford, Mass., hearing about a “legendary coach who took young men and made them stars.

“Then, in 1993, I realized Maine was where I wanted to go to college,” said the senior goalie, referring to Maine’s first national championship in 1992-93.

“In 1999, I was skating around the ice holding the national championship trophy,” said Morrison. “Thank you, Shawn, for making my dream come true.”

Dan Hannigan, WZON-AM play-by-play man and host of the “Hang Time” radio show, was the master of ceremonies.

Tyler talked about how Walsh “touched so many lives in so many ways.

“He taught us to lead a purposeful life, 24-7,” said Tyler.

Tyler also mentioned the “deep love” Walsh had for Lynne and his children [Tyler, Travis, Sean Michael, and stepdaughter Alejandra] and announced that the first 500 students at the Nov. 3 game against UMass-Lowell will receive Maine spirit T-shirts.

“He spoke at freshman orientation [last month] and encouraged them to come sit in the balcony at hockey games. He wanted them to have a full college experience. He gave a great pep talk and he wasn’t feeling well,” said Tyler.

Whitehead said his determination and competitiveness were unmatched and added, “Although his body may have left us, his spirit will live on inside us.”

A painting of Walsh done by well-known local artist Vits Knuble was unveiled and will be displayed at Alfond Arena.

Rep. Thomas read a proclamation from the legislature in which they mourned Walsh’s death and praised him for his contributions to the state and the university. It was given to Lynne Walsh.

There were musical interludes featuring the Landlords Glee Club of Bangor, the UMaine Black Bear men’s chorus, Richard Cattelle, Jermaine Hardy and the Screamin’ Black Bear pep band along with a 15-minute video tribute which capsulized his career and featured words of praise from several rival coaches.

Hoff said Walsh taught him “about leadership and how to treat people” and credited him with “putting us on the map.”

“He created friends for us we wouldn’t have had without him,” said Hoff.

Father Gosselin described Walsh as “devoted, positive, affectionate, tender, loving, proud, generous, happy, content, appreciable, friendly, passionate, prayerful, and sensitive.

“He promoted growth in people and he did so through challenges and affirmation.”