The start of the new hockey season, already marred by the tragic national events of September 11, took on an even more somber tone with the death on September 24 of University of Maine head coach, Shawn Walsh. The 46-year old Walsh succombed to his battle with kidney cancer that he waged so courageously for fifteen months.

In 17 seasons at Orono, Walsh led the Black Bears to 399 victories (19th on the alltime list) and two NCAA championship titles (1993 and 1999). Four times he was chosen Hockey East Coach of the Year and in 1995, won the Spencer Penrose Award as the University Division Coach of the Year nationally. His career record was 399-215-44 (.640).

He coached two Hobey Baker Award winners (Scott Pellerin, 1992 and Paul Kariya, 1993) and 26 other All-Americans. Walsh also served the American Hockey Coaches Asociation, not only as President, from 1993-1995, but also when called upon in a number of roles at the convention and with All-Star teams. Through Maine’s captains for the 2001-2002 season, the team issued the following statement:

“Our first thoughts go out to Shawn’s family, and especially his wife Lynne and his children. “Coach Walsh is so much more than just a coach to us. He is a father figure to 33 guys on this team. He will be greatly missed by all of us. His passion for the game and life will burn inside us every day.

“He never gave up on any player. He was always there for you, and none of us will ever forget that. He taught us more than hockey. As much as he worked with you to make you a better player, he worked even harder to help you become a better person.

“He has touched so many people in his life, and no one who has ever met him will ever forget what he brought into their lives.”