Alfond pledges $1.25 million to arena UMaine to raise funds for expansion project

ORONO – The University of Maine men’s hockey team is among the elite programs in the country. In a couple of years, the Black Bears should boast facilities commensurate with the program’s success.

Jeffery Mills, UMaine’s vice president for advancement, announced Friday that UMaine benefactor Harold Alfond has generously pledged a challenge grant of $1.25 million to help UMaine fund a $3.5 million expansion to Alfond Arena.

The Shawn Walsh Hockey Center, named in memory of the Bears’ longtime head coach, will provide the hockey programs with locker rooms, offices, a weight room and numerous other amenities.

“I can’t overstate the significance of Mr. Alfond’s generosity to this university’s athletic program,” said UMaine President Peter Hoff.

“It is fitting that the names of Shawn Walsh and Harold Alfond will be side by side on this new facility, as they are the two people most responsible for making Black Bear hockey a great source of pride for UMaine and the people of this state,” Hoff said.

UMaine must achieve its end of the fund raising before Alfond will make his donation. He will match the amount generated by the university, up to $1.25 million.

“Harold Alfond is a man who has the resources that can help make some of our visions come true and he’s willing to challenge other people to step up as well, which is critical,” said UMaine interim athletic director Paul Bubb.

“The masses will participate in this, but there will need to be some additional leadership gifts given with some other people really stepping up and showing their same belief that we have in this program. There’s a role for everyone to play,” he said.

UMaine men’s hockey coach Tim Whitehead said the Walsh Center will elevate both hockey programs by enhancing the student-athletes’ experiences, bolstering recruiting and increasing the sense of pride among UMaine supporters.

“It’s time to give back,” Whitehead said. “I think it’s pretty clear that if you’re not going to give to a Shawn Walsh Hockey Center, what are you going to give to, if you’re passionate about hockey?”

The Walsh Center will be built alongside Dexter Lounge and is expected to extend out to Squa Pan Road. The improvements will include carpeted locker rooms with individual changing areas, and a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning center for hockey equipped with free weights, and Universal and Nautilus equipment.

There will be a sports medicine center and athletic training rooms, a media interview room, and equipment and laundry rooms. The old locker rooms for visiting teams and officials also will be redone.

“This was all part of Shawn’s dream, and it’s really great that we’re able to bring it forward in his name,” Hoff said.

For fans, the renovations will encompass a new lobby concourse, sound system, scoreboard and video message center, along with improved concession and merchandise areas. There also will be a multipurpose lounge for booster and group functions.

The coaches will be treated to an office suite with a reception area and new dressing rooms.

Lynne Walsh said her late husband believed such improvements were badly needed for UMaine to stay competitive.

“He was gung-ho in moving in this direction,” she said. “He certainly wanted to keep the momentum going with the program at the University of Maine.”

Rick Filighera, head coach of the UMaine women’s hockey team, hopes the Walsh Center will help him take his 6-year-old program to the next level.

“I think it’s the kick-start we’re going to need,” Filighera said. “I think getting this facility could help me win a few of those recruiting battles.”

The women’s program also should derive some motivation.

“The biggest thing it’s going to do is create excitement,” Filighera said. “I think also it will put a little more onus [on the program], create a little more accountability.”