University of Maine Athletic Director Blake James said Tuesday that men’s hockey coach Tim Whitehead will receive a three-year contract extension.

Whitehead completed his ninth year with the Black Bears and has one year remaining on his current contract of $175,000 a year.

“The future of the hockey program is very bright,” James said. “It’s what we’ve come to expect with Maine hockey.

“I feel very good about what we have in place and what the future holds for the program. It doesn’t guarantee anything, but you look at the level of play and the quality of the student-athletes, if you put things together, it spells success for the program.”

In nine seasons at Maine, Whitehead has a record of 199-126-36 with four Frozen Four appearances, two appearances in the national championship game and eight Hockey East tournament appearances.

Staff Writer Rachel Lenzi can be contacted at 791-6415 or at: rlenzi@pressherald.com