After 7 Years, Clock Runs Out for Hockey Coach Joe Mallen Daniel J. Fitzgibbons CHRONICLE STAFF March 24, 2000 Seven years after bringing hockey back to campus, head coach Joe Mallen is finishing up his final weeks with the program. Athletic director Bob Marcum announced last week that Mallen's contract will not be renewed when it expires May 17. "We appreciate coach Mallen's contributions in restoring our ice hockey program after 14 years," said Marcum in a statement. "At the same time, based on the facilities and resources we have available, we feel it is necessary to make a change to take the program to the next level." The decision follows an 11-20-5 season for the Minutemen, who were eliminated from the Hockey East playoffs after two losses to Boston University. In his first season as coach, the Minutemen competed as an independent team and posted a 20-9 record. The following year, however, the team joined Hockey East, arguably one of the most competitive leagues in the country. Over six seasons in Hockey East, Mallen's squads struggled, never finishing higher than sixth in regular season play and never advancing past the quarterfinals of the league tournament. The challenges faced by Mallen were acknowledged last week by Chancellor David Scott. "Coach Mallen took on a difficult job, building a program from scratch and competing in one of the toughest leagues in the country," Scott said in a statement. "He, his staff and his players have conducted themselves with class and dignity. His players have performed well in the classroom, and I believe the hockey program has represented the University admirably. The University is grateful for his contributions." Marcum said a search committee will be formed to find a new head coach.