TRAGIC REPORT: The Maine hockey team has placed on permanent suspension due to the head coach’s drug-related issues…
Portland, Maine – April 11, 2025 — In a devastating blow to the local sports community and collegiate hockey scene, the Maine State Hawks hockey team has been placed on permanent suspension, following the explosive revelation that their head coach, Dennis Blake, is at the center of a serious drug-related scandal. The announcement, delivered jointly by university officials and athletic board members Friday morning, comes as a shock to fans, players, and stakeholders across the state.
The team, which has proudly represented Maine in the Atlantic Northeast Hockey League for over two decades, will cease all operations indefinitely, citing “irreparable damage to institutional integrity and athlete welfare.”
The Scandal Unfolds
According to preliminary investigations by the Maine Bureau of Criminal Investigation (MBCI), head coach Dennis Blake is alleged to have been involved in the illegal possession, use, and possible distribution of controlled substances over the past year. Authorities executed a warrant at Blake’s residence earlier this week, where multiple narcotics and prescription drugs were reportedly seized, along with evidence suggesting distribution within sports-affiliated circles.
Blake, 51, was taken into custody Tuesday evening and faces multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to distribute, unlawful drug trafficking, and endangering the welfare of minors.
Official Statement from the University
Maine State University released a public statement addressing the matter:
“It is with deep regret and disappointment that we confirm the permanent suspension of our men’s varsity hockey program, effective immediately. The arrest and criminal charges against Coach Dennis Blake represent an unforgivable breach of the standards we uphold as an academic institution. The integrity of our athletics program and the safety of our student-athletes must always come first.”
The statement went on to acknowledge the many students, alumni, and staff affected by the decision, promising ongoing support and assistance, particularly to athletes whose scholarships and careers may be impacted.
Emotional Response from Players and Families
News of the program’s suspension has sent shockwaves through the team, with many young athletes devastated by the sudden and irreversible end to their season—and, for some, their collegiate careers.
Team captain Eliot Remsen, a senior forward and NHL prospect, spoke outside the university’s athletic center:
“We worked our whole lives for this. We gave everything for this team. And now it’s just over—not because of something we did, but because of someone we trusted. It’s hard to process. I’m angry, heartbroken, and lost.”
Parents and community members expressed similar outrage and sorrow. Many had moved to Maine to support their children’s athletic development, and several invested in team fundraisers and booster programs now under review.
Angela Devereux, whose son was a freshman goalie, said:
“To see a program with so much history, talent, and promise crumble overnight because of one person’s choices—it’s devastating. These boys deserve better.”
A Once-Proud Legacy Derailed
The Maine State Hawks have long been a point of pride for the region, known for gritty play, passionate fan support, and a reputation for developing top-tier talent. Over the last five years alone, the team had sent four players to professional leagues and regularly competed for regional titles.
Coach Blake, hired in 2018, was initially credited with rebuilding the team’s competitive edge. However, sources within the university indicate there were growing concerns about his behavior over the past year—including unexplained absences, erratic decision-making, and rumors of substance abuse.
A former assistant coach, speaking under condition of anonymity, revealed:
“There were whispers. We noticed changes. But I never thought it would go this far. I feel sick knowing we missed the signs—or ignored them.”
Legal and Athletic Fallout
Blake remains in custody and is expected to appear in court early next week. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison under Maine’s enhanced drug trafficking laws.
Meanwhile, the National College Hockey Association (NCHA) has issued a formal statement of concern and has placed Maine State under disciplinary review.
“We are deeply disturbed by the events unfolding at Maine State University. While we support the institution’s decision to suspend the program, we are also launching our own investigation to determine whether further sanctions or policy changes are warranted.”
Athletic recruiters across the country are reportedly scrambling to provide transfer opportunities for displaced Hawks players. At least ten players are eligible for the transfer portal and are being contacted by coaches from other Division I programs.
Community Mourning and Reflection
Across Portland and the state of Maine, the reaction has been both emotional and reflective. A candlelight vigil was held outside the Harold H. Weston Ice Arena Thursday night, where hundreds of fans gathered in silence. Many wore team colors—navy and forest green—and carried signs reading “#ForeverHawks” and “Protect the Players.”
State Representative Mark Gilchrist, whose district includes the university campus, called the situation “a cultural wake-up call” for sports leadership and youth programs:
“We must never let ambition, money, or performance overshadow the values we teach our children. This isn’t just about drugs. It’s about trust, mentorship, and institutional responsibility.”
Mental health advocates have also weighed in, urging universities nationwide to implement stronger wellness checks, coach background reviews, and substance use monitoring across all sports programs.
The Road Ahead
While the hockey program may be on permanent hiatus, university officials remain hopeful that healing can begin.
Maine State University President Dr. Carol Hensley has announced the formation of a Recovery & Reform Task Force, made up of faculty, students, alumni, and ethics experts, to assess the school’s athletic culture and recommend new safeguards.
Additionally, scholarship protections and academic support will remain in place for all current hockey players through at least the 2025–2026 academic year.
“This is not the end of the Maine Hawks’ spirit,” Hensley said in closing. “We may have lost the program, but we will not lose the people who made it great. Our focus now must be on healing, rebuilding trust, and doing everything in our power to ensure this never happens again.”
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