Today was a quiet day for the UMass hockey coaching search, or at least when compared to most other days this week.  The only relevant news that come out today was that Jim Montgomery signed a two year extension to remain coach/GM of the Dubuque Saints of the USHL.  While he was speculated by many to be a potential candidate, there were never any concrete reports of whether he was ever contacted by the school.  Personally I received conflicting reports of whether he was even interested in the position.  Interestingly he was in the Boston area over the past week, observing Bruins Development Camp, so he would’ve been available to interview if such a thing developed.  But again it’s unknown if he was ever pursued and with today’s news of an extension it likely doesn’t matter anymore.

With Montgomery signing an extension, Darren Yopyk reportedly not interested in the position, and Mark Dennehy a longshot to begin with I’m now 0 for 3 on my top three picks to replace Toot Cahoon.

Here’s the Worcester Telegram & Gazette’s article about Paul Pearl turning down UMass’ offer.

The Eagle-Tribune’s Mike McMahon has an update on the coaching search, including a current UMass player saying there is a segment of the team wanting for former assistant Red Gendron to be head coach.  While I can confirm that Gendron has interviewed it’s unknown where he ranks on McCutcheon’s list of candidates.  Last night after talking with the player McMahon tweeted “The player also answered the phone with, ‘funny you’re calling me because you probably know more than I do.'”  You have to wonder if that suggests that the team has not had regular updates as to the state of the search.  McMahon also confirms via a source close to the search committee that head coaching experience has been a main focus of the search process early on.

Count the Republican’s Harry Plumer as another person who thinks this coaching search is being handled poorly and that John McCutcheon needs to completely change up the way he’s approaching it.

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You can see Joel Hanley (#75) skating during some of the Blue Jackets Development Camp testing yesterday.

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Lastly just want to bring attention to a charity event being held at the end of the month in Worcester.  Skating For Hope is a cause that’s dear to UMass beat writer Matt Vautour and features a 24 hour skate-a-thon to benefit the American Cancer Society.  The event was featured in this article from USCHO.   Rumor is there may even be some rare UMass hockey memorabilia auctioned off during the event.