ORONO, Maine -- University of Maine men's ice hockey head coach
Ben Barr announced the hiring of assistant coach
Jason Fortier on Wednesday, July 28. Fortier joins the Black Bears after most recently serving as the head coach of the Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League.
"Jason has been a winner at every program he has worked with," says Barr. "During my time as a young assistant at Union College, Jason was one of the first junior coaches I met. He was always easy to approach, honest, and his players improved significantly under his guidance. He has won championships in multiple junior leagues and will be an integral part of our culture. We are extremely fortunate to add Jason to the Black Bear Hockey family. Our student-athletes will benefit tremendously from having him as a mentor."
A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Fortier brings 12 years of experience in the junior hockey coaching ranks to Orono. Before joining Odessa, he was the general manager and head coach of the Coquitlam Express in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for the 2019-20 season. His team finished the year 47-9 and won the regular season championship. Fortier's squad was undefeated heading into the Division Finals before the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I am excited to get started and thrilled to be a member of the Black Bears program," says Fortier. "Thanks to Coach Barr for believing in me and allowing me the chance to join his staff. Coach Barr has made an impressive impact in the programs he has been involved in and his track record amongst former players is something that makes this such a great opportunity. I am so proud to be able to coach for the University and thank you to Mr.
Ken Ralph and all of the staff that have helped make this possible."
Jason has coached numerous players that are currently playing in the NHL. Over the past three seasons, Fortier has placed 44 of his players into Division I college hockey and was named the 2019-20 BCHL Coach of the Year. He has captured the U-18 National Championship in Canada, several Junior A Tier league titles, and a championship in the prestigious Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. In total, Fortier has seven championship rings.
Before joining the coaching ranks, Fortier played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Junior A Tier. After junior hockey, he played professional hockey in Europe before playing a season for the Wichita Thunder in the Central Hockey League. He also played four seasons in the Canadian College Hockey League.
Career Highlights
● Eight League/Division Championships
● Coached numerous players that have played in the NHL
● Over 100 NCAA Div. 1 player commitments
● QMJHL League Championship and Memorial Cup Finalist
● Ass't coach on staff when head coach received Canadian Hockey League Coach of the Year Award
● Two Junior A Tier II League Championships and National Championship Finalist
● One U-18 AAA National Championship and Three U-18 League Championships
● Operated Ontario's largest NCAA College Hockey Showcase – 24 College Coaches (2011-2014)
● Former Pro player and Owner of Future Pro's Hockey Group
Coaching Experience
-UMaine-
