ORONO – University of Maine men’s ice hockey head coach Tim Whitehead announced Friday that Bob Corkum has been named Associate Head Coach.

Corkum replaces Guy Perron, who left earlier this summer to accept a position with the Colorado Avalanche.

Corkum has extensive hockey experience as both a player and a coach. He was a four-year letterwinner for the Black Bears and then went on to have a 12-year National Hockey League career.

Since retiring from the NHL, Corkum has moved into the coaching profession.

“Bob Corkum brings valuable experience as a player and coach, and he will be a great addition to our staff,” said Whitehead.

Corkum comes to Maine from the Manchester Junior Monarchs, where he has served as associate head coach from 2006-2008. He was responsible for recruiting players along with working with individuals and small groups in skill development and team systems.

The Junior Monarchs have been successful under his guidance, finishing as Tier III Junior A National Champions in both 2007 and 2008. The Monarchs were Co-EJHL Season Champions in 2008, and finished as EJHL Season Champions and Playoff Champions in 2007.

Corkum has also held various other coaching positions the past few years, including USA Hockey Select 16 coach (2006-08), assistant coach with the Portland Junior Pirates (2005-06), assistant coach at Newburyport (Mass.) High School (2004-05) and assistant coach at Triton High School (2003-04).

Corkum began his coaching career after a stellar, 12-year, 720-game, NHL career. He played for Buffalo, Atlanta, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Philadelphia and the Anaheim. Corkum finished his NHL career with 97 goals and 103 assists for 200 career points.

He had a four-year career with the Black Bears from 1985-1989, playing in 159 games. He scored 36 goals and added 76 assists from 132 career points. He ranks 25th on Maine’s all-time scoring list. He was part of three NCAA Tournament teams and participated in the Frozen Four twice.

Souviney joins coaching staff

UMaine head tack and field coach Mark Lech announced former Maine track and field standout Katie Souviney will be joining the coaching staff as an assistant coach.

Souviney was a New England champion in the heptathlon and an America East Indoor champion in the pentathlon during her career at Maine.

“I’m glad to have Katie back with us now as a member of the coaching staff,” said Lech. “She brings a lot of enthusiasm, personal knowledge and experience to the events she will coach for the program. She was a great competitor here as an athlete and I know that will carry over to her coaching. She’s going to do a great job.”

Souviney set seven school records while competing for the Black Bears. In addition to her individual accomplishments, Souviney was a member of the 2003 women’s outdoor team that won the New England championship.

Souviney will be primarily coaching the hurdles and multi-events. She has her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in exercise physiology from Maine, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Sports Network honors Belcher

RICHMOND, Va. – The Sports Network has included University of Maine defensive end Jovan Belcher among 13 Colonial Athletic Association players named to the its 2008 Preseason All-America squad.

Belcher has also been chosen the network’s CAA preseason defensive player of the year by the network after notching 10 sacks in 2007.