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!
Fear The Triangle - UMass Hockey Blog 
Anonymous
/ July 3, 2012Umass fans I have watched this program for a long time. I think this team that we have going into the up coming 2012-13 season has to be one of the best ones ever at Umass. Last year Umass had a winning record against ranked teams. They took a series from the national champion BC, beat #1 BU at there place and beat Maine up at their barn. However we struggled against the rest. I truly believe that if Red Gendron is our coach he can motivate our guys and lead us to the promise land. I think this group can win a hockey east championship and do damage in the national tournament. Having the right coach to motivate this team will lead to big things. I think Pereria and Sheary will have a big year. I think they will both have 45 pts. I think Gracel, Guzzo and Carzo can put up 25 pts each. I think the third line of Kiley, DeAngelo, and Power can all have about 15 pts each. Then when you look at the D were loaded with guys like Hanley and Allen always a threat to score. And Phillips, Oleg and shea playing shut down d. In the net Boyle and Mastalerz looked very poised as freshman and can expect a big second year. I think Cahoon underutilized the talent he had on this team the last two years. With Gendron on board he can motivate this group and get the most out of these guys. It seems like the right choice for Umass.
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Colin Thompson (@bbruins1011)
/ July 3, 2012I really like Red Gendron and I really truly believe that the UMass Hockey team will be very good in 2012-2013 with Red Gendron as there Coach.
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Anon
/ July 3, 2012agreed..heard from a source the players want red as well
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Anonymous
/ July 4, 2012Red Gendron = more of the same. Please. It’s time for a change. The Cahoon era is over at UMass. And hopefully the losing is as well. Start thinking outside the box. Hire a new coach that is not only going to shake up the status quo on the ice but also the fans and alums. I encourage the athletic department and the search committee to not go back in the past (Red, Len, etc) but to move on and try something new. The past regime had crappy results. Let’s give someone else a chance to succeed. As we all know, the popular choice isn’t always the right one.
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lil_bit_special (@lil_bit_special)
/ July 4, 2012In case anyone is interested, the Islanders have posted video from their scrimmage from last week. go to islanders.nhl.com and click on islandersTV and start with 2012 orange vs blue scrimmage part 2.
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