The Portland Press Herald / The Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates Notebook: Dineen awaits league's decision

By Paul Betit pbetit@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

The indefinite suspension of Portland Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen was still under review Monday by the American Hockey League.

Kevin Dineen

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Dineen was suspended after he went onto the ice Saturday night to vigorously dispute referee Chris Cozzan's decision to deny a last-second goal by the Pirates that would have forced overtime against the Syracuse Crunch. Portland nearly overcame a four-goal deficit in the third period but lost 4-3.

"The incident is still being reviewed by the league," said A.J. Atchue, coordinator of AHL communications. "Obviously, we'll make an announcement about the specifics (of the suspension) if there needs to be one."

Dineen refused to comment about the incident and the resulting suspension.

Assistant coach Eric Weinrich filled in for Dineen during a 3-2 loss to the Rochester Americans on Sunday in Buffalo, and veteran defenseman Joe DiPenta served as an assistant coach.

The Pirates, currently second in the Atlantic Division, start a four-game homestand Friday night against the Manchester Monarchs.

HALL OF FAME: Chris Jensen will be inducted as the 13th member of the Portland Pirates Hall of Fame during Saturday's game against the Springfield Falcons at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

Jensen, who had 68 goals and 70 assists in two seasons with the Pirates, was selected by fans through online and arena balloting.

Jensen was a member of the inaugural Pirates team in 1993-94 and helped Portland win the Calder Cup that season, scoring 16 points in 16 playoff games.

A veteran of 12 professional seasons, Jensen, 46, now lives in Minnesota, where he maintains heavy equipment for an excavation firm.

Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 791-6424 or at: pbetit@pressherald.com