Maine tabs former North Dakota captain St. Clair as volunteer assistant coach

Colten St. Clair has been named a volunteer assistant coach at Maine.

St. Clair joins the Black Bears after serving as the head coach and GM of the Phoenix Knights of the Western States Hockey League following a four-year playing career at North Dakota.

“Colten is a bright star among young coaches in our country,” said Maine head coach Red Gendron in a statement. “He has demonstrated outstanding leadership ability as both a player and coach. 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.”

St. Clair was named the WSHL coach of the year for the 2017-18 season.

“I’m extremely humbled and honored to become a part of the men’s hockey program at the University of Maine,” added St. Clair. “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.

“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.”

St. Clair is a 2016 graduate of North Dakota where he lettered four times and was a part of three Frozen Four teams, winning a national championship at 2016. An assistant captain as a senior, he played in 107 games for UND, notching nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points.