ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine athletics department invites all fans to join us for a special meet and greet opportunity with members of the 1999 Men's Ice Hockey National Championship team and individual Class of 2024 Hall of Fame inductees on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 4-6 p.m. at the all-new Wells Central Pub on the campus of UMaine, presented by Hammond Lumber Company.

Prior to the men's hockey season opener against American International College, members of the 1999 National Championships team, along with individual inductees into the 2024 UMaine Sports Hall of Fame Class, will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs, and enjoy special pub food, beer, and wine options prior to puck drop at Alfond Arena. 

The event is free and open to the public. Men's Hockey game tickets are not required to attend the event. Food and beverage options will be available at cost for attendees while Bear Necessities will also be on hand to sell special, commemorative 1999 National Championship team gear. If attending the event, fans are encouraged to park in the Wells Lot, Steam Plant Lot, or North Gym Lot.

The 1998-99 men's ice hockey team captured the program's second NCAA national championship after finishing the season 31-6-4. The Black Bears defeated New Hampshire, 3-2, in overtime of the national championship game on Marcus Gustafsson's game-winning goal. Captain Steve Kariya, previously inducted as an individual in the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame and a Hobey Baker finalist in 1999, led the Black Bears in scoring with 27 goals and 38 assists for 65 points, while Alfie Michaud guided Maine in goal with a 28-6-3 mark to go along with a .910 saves percentage and a 2.32 goals against average. During the championship campaign, Maine posted a 17-5-2 mark in Hockey East play and finished the year 14-1-1 at Alfond Arena. The Black Bears, led by legendary head coach Shawn Walsh, earned several accolades along the way as Michaud was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament. Kariya and David Cullen were each named AHCA East first-team All-Americans and to the All-Hockey East first team.

The Wells Central Dining facility, a new retail spot on campus, features the Central Pub, Sal's Pizza, and the "eatNOW at UMaine" autonomous store. Guests will experience an exciting new space with an entertainment area, full beer and wine menu, along with special pub food options. Wells Central Dining is open 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. with the Central Pub open from 4-11 p.m. Wells Central Dining facility is located at 131 Munson Road in Orono.

-UMaine-