ORONO, Maine – Colten St. Clair has been named a volunteer assistant coach on the University of Maine men's hockey staff, it was announced by head coach Red Gendron. St. Clair joins the Black Bears after serving as the head coach and General Manager of the Phoenix Knights of the Western States Hockey League and following a four-year playing at the University of North Dakota.
 
"Colten is a bright star among young coaches in our country. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership ability as both a player and coach," Gendron said.
 
St. Clair was named the head coach of the Knights in March 2017 after serving as an assistant coach during the 2016-17 season. This year, he guided the Knights to the WSHL Western Division Semifinal. St. Clair coached the Knights to a quarterfinal series sweep, marking the program's first playoff series win since 2013-14. At the conclusion of the season, St. Clair was tabbed as the 2017-18 WSHL Coach of the Year.
 
"He has been a part of several championship teams and understands what it takes to become a champion. His knowledge of the game belies his age; it is a testament to his passion for our great game and also his commitment to become a great coach. We couldn't possibly be happier that Colten is now part of our Maine Hockey Family," Gendron added.
 
"I'm extremely humbled and honored to become a part of the men's hockey program at the University of Maine. It's one of the most prestigious hockey programs there is and I couldn't be more thrilled to work at carrying on the history and tradition of what former coaches and players have done here," St. Clair said.
 
St. Clair is a 2016 graduate of the University of North Dakota where he lettered four times with the men's hockey team. He was a part of three Frozen Four teams and won a National Championship with UND in 2016. An assistant captain as a senior, St. Clair played in 107 games for UND, notching nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points.
 
Prior to his time in Grand Forks, he captained Team USA during the 2009 Ivan Hlinka Tournament and was captain and gold medalist for Team USA in the 2011 World Junior "A" Challenge. He also played for the Fargo Force of the USHL, compiling 43 goals and 41 assists in 151 games, while twice reaching the Clark Cup finals and also serving as an assistant captain.
 
"The standard is definitely high, and I can't wait to get on the ice with the guys in Orono. I want to contribute to a winning culture, and learn every day from some of the best in the coaching business under coach Gendron, coach Ben Guite and coach Alife Michaud. I am looking forward to making my way to Orono to meet the players and get to work right away. It's going to be a great year and I can't express enough how excited I am to be a part of UMaine."
 
-UMaine-