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Gagnon to leave UMaine

Freshman sensation opts to return home

By Ryan Clark

Posted on Monday, April 3rd, 2006, 12:00 am

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Women’s hockey freshman forward Patricia Gagnon said during an interview on Friday that she will not return next season.

Gagnon, who scored 16 points in 14 games this past season, stated that she is returning to Quebec at the end of the year. The move comes as a surprise since the top-line forward was considered one of the best players Guy Perron has recruited during his tenure.

“I had a life before coming here and I came here to play hockey,” Gagnon said. “What I am studying here is not helping me with what I want to do for a job. That is why I am not coming back.”

The UMaine athletic department confirmed Gagnon’s decision through the media relations office.

Because of academic eligibility issues, Gagnon missed the first half of the season, resulting in her only playing in 14 games. Along with Sonia Corriveau and Brigitte LaFlamme, Gagnon formed the “French Connection,” and powered the Black Bears to a school-record 17-win season.

Gagnon said that her decision to leave became more concrete when she went home during Christmas Break. After being around family and friends, she realized how much she missed Quebec.

At the end of the season, Gagnon told Corriveau and LaFlamme that she would not return. Once she broke the news to her linemates, she informed Perron of her decision.

“As a friend they understand and they are not mad at me,” Gagnon said. “As a hockey player they are sad because we are not going to play together again. We did not fight about it and they did not try to convince me to stay because they knew I wanted to go back. They understand that.

“I could have stayed to play hockey and make Guy happy, but it’s not what I wanted.”

Before coming to Orono, Gagnon played at Limoliou College with Corriveau, LaFlamme, Julie Poulin, Karine Senecal and Genevieve Turgeon. While playing for the Titans, they combined to win three national championships.

Although it had been a year since Gagnon played competitively, Perron convinced her to come to UMaine after recruiting Turgeon.

Besides Gagnon’s departure, a source within the team confirmed last week that Poulin, who was tied for second on the team in points, had been removed from the team and also stated forwards Danielle Tangredi and Sheri Wauters would also be leaving the team.

“I am the first one who went in to talk to Guy,” said Gagnon about the departures. “Then I heard that Sheri was quitting too and I did not know Danielle was leaving. Julie was different because she was not the one who made decision. Julie and I live together and we do not talk about it because she is very sad and that’s normal.

“Guy has his reasons. It’s not sure that she is leaving. I really don’t know because it’s none of my business. She is my friend and I will be there for her.”