Blair has new project to work on with Bears

Former University of Maine defenseman Campbell Blair officially became the Black Bears’ new assistant hockey coach Tuesday. The 35-year-old Blair had been an assistant and then the head coach and general manager for the Victoria Salsa of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League.

He compiled a 105-73-16 record to become the winningest coach in Salsa history and he led them to the BCJHL championship last season.

Bear junior center Martin Kariya, who played under Blair for two seasons, said he will be a valuable addition to the staff.

“He has a great knowledge of the game,” said Kariya.

Blair said, “This will be a great challenge. This is a level I want to be coaching at. I’m looking forward to it.”

Blair, who had been a summer forest fire fighter in British Columbia for 15 years before retiring last year, played at Maine from 1987-91 and notched two goals and 13 assists in 44 games. He was an undergraduate assistant coach at Maine with current Bear interim head coach Tim Whitehead.

The Prince George, British Columbia native, will spend a lot of time working with Maine’s young defensemen, whom he had the opportunity to watch over the weekend at Western Michigan.

“I liked their skill level,” observed Blair who believes in teaching players the importance of executing the little things that can make the difference between winning and losing.

“The little things can transform a group of average and good players into a great team,” said Blair who is excited about working with Whitehead and assistants Grant Standbrook and Matt Thomas.