List, I thought the List would enjoy a positive success story on one of our 
former and local players. I saw Derek play for the Albany River Rats (AHL) 
vs. the Hershey Bears in Hershey last night. He was called up from the 
Florida Everblades a couple a weeks ago after leading the league in scoring 
for a couple of weeks. He played well in front of the net and on the boards 
on offense and is being used on the Power Play in front of the net.  He had 
a rebound goal on a power play in the second period and then had the 
winning goal in the shoot-out after a scoreless overtime. He made a great 
fake on the goaltender and got him to go down and then held the puck until 
the last minute and wristed a forehand over his blocker to score the second 
shoot-out goal. Albany ended up with the win after the 3-3 tie in 
regulation. 
I talked with Derek after the game and he looks great and is excited to be 
playing in the AHL. He knows he needs to work on his speed and skating, but 
is confident he can play and score goals. He is using Ben Guite as his role 
model of hard work and perseverance in front of the net and on special 
teams. He has grown into a serious, hard-working young man since I advised 
him at Maine. A true example of Shawn's motto of making the best of what 
you have! Enjoy the holidays. Bruce Hale, Director of Academic Support for 
Student-Athletes, 1998-2003.