University of Maine appoints Alex Gettens as women's hockey head coach

Alex Gettens was introduced Tuesday as the new head coach of the University of Maine women's hockey program. The 33‑year‑old returns to Orono after serving as an assistant at Colgate, where he helped the Raiders reach the NCAA tournament in 2025, and after a prior stint as a Maine assistant in 2017‑18.

The Black Bears enter their 30th season having posted a winning record in only six years, most recently in 2019‑20 (15‑14‑8). Last season the team finished 13‑19‑4 overall and 8‑12‑4 in Hockey East, missing the conference semifinals since 2022 and never advancing to the NCAA tournament. Gettens said, “We have to play a style where we’re on the attack… we have to believe in ourselves,” emphasizing an aggressive approach.

Athletic director Jude Killy reiterated the school’s ambition to be among the top five Division I programs in New England, stating, “At the University of Maine, that means hockey has to be exceptional. It’s an ice‑hockey statement, not just men’s or women’s.” The hiring signals a push to elevate the women’s team to national contention.