ORONO, Maine - Maine has fired hockey coach Tim Whitehead after 12 seasons.

Whitehead's departure, announced Wednesday, followed a disappointing season in which the Black Bears went 11-19-8 before failing to advance in the Hockey East playoffs.

Whitehead came to Maine from Massachusetts-Lowell in 2001 and took over after coach Shawn Walsh died of cancer. That season, he took the team to the national championship game. In a statement, Whitehead said fans "have a lot to look forward to" with the current core of players and incoming recruits.

Whitehead had a record of 250-171-54 at UMaine with four Frozen Four appearances and two national championship games in his first six years. He had a losing record over his last six years.