May 29, 2003
ARCHITECTS NAMED FOR WALSH HOCKEY CENTER
WBRC and HOK to design the new home of UMaine's hockey programs

ORONO, Maine - The University of Maine has named the Bangor firm of
WBRC Architects/Engineers, in partnership with the Kansas City,
Mo.-based firm of Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc., as lead architects
for the Shawn Walsh Hockey Center at Alfond Arena.

WBRC has worked with the University of Maine on several projects in
recent years, including the Buchanan Alumni House, the addition and
renovation to Hitchner Hall, and the grandstand at Harold Alfond Sports
Stadium. WBRC also designed the Swan Sports Center at Husson College,
as well as the new clubhouse at Penobscot Valley Country Club.

Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, commonly referred to by their initials
HOK, is widely recognized to be among the world's leaders in sports
facility design. HOK's list of design credits includes Oriole Park at
Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles, and San Francisco's
Pacific Bell Park.

In New England, HOK-designed facilities include Gillette Stadium in
Foxboro, Mass.; the University of Rhode Island's new Ryan Center; and
the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, N.H.

The partnership of WBRC and HOK was selected by the University through
an interview process based on presentations by architects interested in
taking on the project. "I'm excited to have these two companies on
board as we move forward with the Shawn Walsh Hockey Center at Alfond
Arena," said Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach Tim Whitehead. "WBRC's
knowledge of UMaine and Black Bear athletics combined with HOK's
world-wide reputation in creating dynamic and functional athletic
facilities, should allow us to design a truly first-class home for
UMaine's hockey programs."

"My impression, after meeting with the prospective architects for the
project, was that the WBRC/HOK group would work best with us to achieve
this dream," said Head Women's Ice Hockey Coach Rick Filighera. "They
definitely stood out in their presentation of past projects, and, in my
mind, HOK's experience in designing and refurbishing arenas made the
difference."

The Shawn Walsh Hockey Center, which will be located at the south end
of Alfond Arena, will contain new lockerrooms for both men's and
women's ice hockey, as well as new office space for coaches, meeting
rooms, and a central reception area for visitors.

A full set of construction documents should be completed by October
2003, with actual construction to begin as soon as fundraising is
completed and a contractor is identified through a bid process.