Phil makes a good point that there are a lot of Maine fans who aren't in
Maine and don't have access to FMH events in the Bangor area.  I'm at
college in Vermont and I hardly ever get home to see a game.  I think it
would be wonderful to have some sort of network of non-local fans,
whether it be in conjunction with FMH or separate from it.  This list is
a very good outlet for that, but it would also be great to see a group
of people form an actual club/network.
 
Holly
 
>----------
>From:  Phil Leavitt[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent:  Tuesday, July 01, 1997 11:04 PM
>To:    [log in to unmask]
>Subject:       Re: FMH long post!
>
>I have been a previous (before 1996) member of Friends of Maine Hockey.  I
>must admit that I first joined just to get the newsletter and information
>about the team.  I am a two-time graduate from UMO and supported this team
>from the Division II days when the Alfond was new and Salem State used to
>bring cheerleaders.
>
>I know live in Southern Maine and the news about the team is very sparse to
>non-existent, unless they are on track to compete for a national title or
>under scrutiny by the NCAA.
>
>I stopped my subscription to FMH for the following reasons:
>
>1.  The newsletter is filled with this and other Hockey discussion list
>information that I have already read on the Internet.  I don't want to pay
>$35 to re-read information that I have already seen and is out of date by
>the time it is sent to me.
>
>2.  All FMH functions appear to be oriented for FMH members that live in
>and around the Bangor area.  The meetings and events are next to impossible
>to attend for a normal person, who works hard for his money.  When I was a
>member I felt very "left out".
>
>3.  Last but not least is the apparent attitude of FMH that the NCAA
>unfairly picked on the University of Maine, the Team and Shawn Walsh the
>coach.  My own personal opinion, not that it counts for much :), is that
>punishments to the University and the Team were deserved and that Shawn is
>lucky to be able to come back as Maine's coach with only sitting out one
>year.  I believe FMH should be neutral, just report the facts and stay away
>from opinion.  That's what Hockey Discussion List's and Sports Bars are
>made for.
>
>On a positive side, here some suggestions that might get $35 bucks out of
>me in the future.
>
>1.  Convince the University and Shawn to re-instate 2 games back in the
>Cumberland County Civic Center.  I really enjoyed the games and especially
>getting together with all my Ex-UM friends for those events.
>
>2.  Start rotating FMH meetings to other locations; north and south during
>the year and  work hard to promote to all areas of the State.
>
>3.  Maybe start a Southern Chapter?
>
>4.  Try to provide each FMH the ability to purchase 2 "decent" seats per
>member at normal price.  I have found it very difficult to get tickets to
>games in Orono unless I call opposing schools and get stuck in the back row
>beneath the balcony. :(.
>
>That's it for now............
>