While I respect Anthony Delmonaco's opinion, I agree with Wayne and Cathy.
I don't think that you can measure a fan's loyalty to a team by whether or
not they leave a game early.  As Dan can attest, I'm one who likes to stay
to the bitter end, regardless of the score.  However, I have been convinced
(and at times have suggested) that we leave a game early.  I tend to get
very emotional at hockey games, and sometimes I leave early to avoid
getting too upset at a loss, whether it be while watching the Bruins,
Rutgers Basketball (my alma mater), or my beloved Black Bears.  We left
Providence early in 1995 because we couldn't bear to see BU skate around
the ice with that trophy.  Likewise, we left the Garden early during the (I
think) 1990 Stanley Cup finals because I didn't want to see Wayne Gretzky
skate around with the Stanley Cup.
 
I'll admit that if you leave a game early, you might miss out on some
excitement.  Someone I know (who shall remain nameless) wanted to leave the
Maine/UNH game up at the Alfond when the Black Bears were dow n 5-1.  I on
the other hand, insisted on staying until they drew the 50/50 number.  If
we had left, we would have missed an exciting Maine comeback.
 
I suspect that some of the people who leave early are those people who have
season tickets and attend numerous games during the season.  Dan and I tend
to leave Bruins games when the outcome of the game isn't in question.
Perhaps we take it for granted that we'll be going to another game in a few
games.  I don't think that this makes us less of a fan.
 
In closing, I would like to say that I really think that Anthony should
send the letter to the BDN (maybe even the student newsletter).  Perhaps it
will make people pause and think before they leave their seats for the
parking lot.
 
 
Lindsay Huntoon
M-A-I-N-E...GOOOOO BLUUUUUE!!!