Maine Hockey Program Receives $1 Million Donation

ORONO, MAINE -- The University of Maine's hockey program has received a $1 million donation for an endowment to benefit the two-time NCAA National Champions.

The donation came from UMaine alumnus Tom Savage and his wife Sally of Key Largo, Fla. According to the school's release, the donation will be used to start the Savage Challenge, a five-year initiative to gain additional funds from hockey alums and former coaches for the endowment.

Savage, who noted his pride from seeing Maine's first NCAA Championship in 1993, earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the university in 1968.

"Like thousands of other Mainers, Maine hockey holds a special place in my heart," says Tom Savage. "I will never forget how proud we were when we drove over the bridge in Kittery and saw the '1993 National Champions' sign over 20 years ago, and I still get excited when Alfond Arena is shaking after a big Maine goal. For many of us, this program provides a great sense of pride, knowing that Maine can compete for championships on a national stage," added the former Bangor attorney in school's press release.

"(The) gift will serve to build a network of support for our men's ice hockey program by strengthening the bond between our former student-athletes and our future," said University of Maine President Susan Hunter in the press release.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.