Bob Corkum
| Title: | Interim Head Coach |
| Phone: | 207-581-1166 |
| Email: | robert.corkum@umit.maine.edu |
| Year: | 5th Year |
Orono, Maine — Robert Corkum today was named interim head coach of University of Maine men's ice hockey by UMaine Director of Athletics Steve Abbott.
Corkum replaces Tim Whitehead, who was released from his
contract April 9. A formal national search for a permanent men's
ice hockey coach will begin immediately with the formation of a
search committee.
Corkum, a UMaine alumnus, has been an associate head
coach with the university's men's ice hockey program since
2008.
"Bob Corkum was a great Black Bear and NHL player," says
Abbott. "He did a terrific job as an associate head coach and I am
confident that he can give us stability during this time of
transition."
Corkum, played for Maine from 1985-89 and went on to a
12-year National Hockey League career. While a Black Bear, he
helped build the foundation of the UMaine program, serving as
captain in 1988-89. He was part of the university's first three
NCAA Tournament teams and played in NCAA Frozen Fours in both 1988
and 1989. In 1988, Corkum was named UMaine's Most Inspirational
Player.
Corkum was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres and went on to
play 720 games in the National Hockey League for seven teams. He
finished his professional career with 97 goals and 103 assists for
200 career points. During the 2000–01 season, Corkum played
in the Stanley Cup finals for the New Jersey Devils, scoring a
short-handed goal against Colorado and NHL Hall of Fame goalie
Patrick Roy.
Since his playing career, Corkum has built an impressive
coaching resume in a short amount of time. He has spent part of the
past two summers coaching with USA Hockey. In 2012, Corkum served
as assistant coach of the 2012 U.S. Under-18 Select Team. The team
played five games in the Czech Republic and Slovakia during August.
During summer 2011, Corkum was head coach of the 2011 U.S. Under-17
Select Team. The team posted a 4-0-0 mark en route to the Five
Nations Title with wins over the Czech Republic, Switzerland,
Germany and Slovakia.
Corkum came to Maine from the New Hampshire Junior
Monarchs of the Eastern Junior Hockey League, where he was
associate head coach from 2006-08. He was responsible for
recruiting players along with working with individuals and small
groups in skill development. The Junior Monarchs were successful
under his guidance, as the team finished as Tier III Junior A
National Champion 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.
"I have fond memories of my time here as a players and a
coach," says Corkum. "My mission as coach is to give our
student-athletes the same experience I had during my four years
here at the University of Maine."
Corkum, and his wife, Jessica, have four children:
Carley, Kelen, Cain and Koby. They are also proud grandparents.
Carley, and her husband, Jason Lovejoy, have a son, Parker Andrew,
and reside in Westboro, Mass.
