FTT learned this morning that Red Gendron was spotted on campus bright and early to interview with John McCutcheon for the head coaching job.  It’s a little odd that it has taken this far into the process to get an interview, but I think given Gendron’s qualifications and ties to the program he should be considered.  Gendron is very well respected by former UMass players, something that McCutcheon may take into account.  I wouldn’t have put him at the top of my original list but given his track record of success, a national championship at Maine as an assistant and three Stanley Cup rings to his name, he can come in and do the job already knowing the unique challenges at UMass.

Matt Vautour has his thoughts on Gendron with the news of his interview, making the good point of if McCutcheon is truly looking to move on from the Toot Cahoon era, it’s unlikely Red would get hired.

Harry Plumer at Masslive has his take on the Gendron interview.

Other news to report is that I was able to confirm that at some point in the past week or so both Holy Cross head coach Paul Pearl and Boston College assistant Greg Brown have interviewed for the position.  Not a big surprise there as both were candidates that early on people speculated would be considered and both included on the first draft of my candidates list.  I would assume both are still active candidates for the position, but don’t know that for sure.

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The Collegian had this in depth article about Mike Pereira, Kevin Boyle, Oleg Yevenko, and K.J. Tiefenwerth at Islanders camp.

Merrimack’s Athletic Director has been put on leave today for a “personnel matter”.  From what I’m told this will not have an effect on Mark Dennehy’s status or desire to stay there.

John Hamre who was reported to be a candidate for the open assistant coaching position at UMass before Cahoon stepped down has been named the new coach/GM for the Coulee Chill of the NAHL.

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What are colleges up against when they try to defend themselves against the “amateur” major junior leagues in Canada  who swoop in and poach their recruits?  Oh, just a couple hundred thousand dollar payoffs under the table.

If there’s news to relay tomorrow, I’ll post it.  Otherwise have a happy Fourth of July, UMass fans!