No sanction for UM coach Apology offered for remarks

University of Maine men’s hockey coach Tim Whitehead won’t be suspended for his shouting match with referee Scott Hansen and ensuing comments he made to the media following Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Boston University.

Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna said it was because Whitehead offered an apology to Hansen and league officials.

Bertagna said he considered suspending Whitehead, “but given Tim’s willingness to apologize and the type of person he is, that option was dismissed.”

“Tim is one of the last people you’d expect to be getting into an exchange with a referee,” said Bertagna. “He’s a gentleman. That was uncharacteristic of him. I’m glad he took it upon himself to apologize.”

Two of Maine’s top four goal scorers, Josh Soares and Keith Johnson, had been assessed two-minute minors and mandatory 10-minute misconducts by Hansen for shooting the puck after the whistle.

Soares, who insisted he never heard the whistle, berated Hansen on the ice after the game and Bertagna acknowledged that Hansen said some choice words back to Soares while following him off the ice.

That incensed Whitehead, who engaged in a shouting match with Hansen in the runway leading to the locker rooms.

Whitehead was assessed a 10-minute misconduct by Hansen.

After the game, Whitehead said, “I was just trying to help [Hansen] him get his [big] head through the door.” Whitehead was referring to his contention that Hansen is arrogant and self-absorbed.

Bertagna said he talked to Whitehead, Hansen, and Maine athletic director Blake James and made his decision.

“I’m comfortable that everything that needed to be addressed was addressed,” said Bertagna. “I’m happy with the resolution.

“In these situations, sometimes there’s a lot of responsibility to be spread around. Sometimes it’s players or coaches and sometimes referees will have a little slip. Instead of keeping a lid on things, they’ll make a remark that escalates things.”

He said he had a “good conversation” with Hansen about his behavior.

“There were a number of people whose actions after the game weren’t what they should have been,” said Bertagna. “There was enough culpability to go around.”

Maine AD James called it an “unfortunate situation” and said “we are moving forward.”

Maine travels to Providence College for a two-game series on Friday and Saturday nights.