Blair to join UM men’s hockey staff

Former University of Maine defenseman Campbell Blair, who coached the Victoria Salsa to the British Columbia Junior Hockey League championship last season, will be the new assistant coach at his alma mater, according a report on the Salsa Web site.

Blair, 35, is the winningest coach in Victoria’s history, registering a 105-73-16 record. He was also the Salsa’s general manager.

Blair played hockey at Maine from 1987-91. He is expected to join the Black Bears for their two-game series Friday and Saturday in Kalamazoo, Mich. A coaching position came open when 17-year Maine coach Shawn Walsh died of complications from kidney cancer on Sept. 24 and Tim Whitehead was promoted to interim head coach.

Whitehead would neither confirm nor deny Blair’s appointment.