Corkum helps out UMaine

ORONO – He took many a defensive zone faceoff protecting a one-goal lead in the final minute of play during his NHL days.

Faceoffs were one of the many aspects of the game former University of Maine winger and longtime NHLer Bob Corkum was working on with the Black Bears at practice Thursday before their weekend series against Boston University.

The 35-year-old Corkum, in his first year of retirement after a 720-game NHL career, made his mark in the NHL as a top-notch faceoff man, defensive specialist and penalty killer.

“I was coming up to see Frankie [Jordan] and I called Tim [Maine coach Tim Whitehead] and Grant [assistant Grant Standbrook] and they thought it might be good if I drop by,” said Corkum, who lives in Newburyport, Mass., with his wife Jessica and their four children.

“This is a great opportunity for our guys to pick up a few pointers from a tremendous person and a tremendous player,” said Whitehead.

Corkum, who amassed 97 goals and 103 assists while playing for seven NHL teams, is enjoying retirement.

“It’s nice to get re-acclimated to my family and being a dad. It’s a full-time job,” said Corkum.

He intends to finish up his degree and said he would like to get into coaching.

He said he remembers Seniors Week “like it was yesterday” and is looking forward to the BU series.

“It’s a great time of year up here,” said Corkum.