Deron Treadwell wrote:
>
> As far as the nastiness, I don't see that going away anytime soon because
> there are so many issues which make the Maine/BU rilvary great.  First, BU
> will always claim that BC is their chief rival.  The same is true for Maine,
> they think BU is their best rival while UNH loves nothing more than to beat
> Maine.
>
 
I think having this rivalry is great.  I am already looking forward to
next year as I know down deep that Parker must be just boiling over the
fact that he got swept by Maine this season.  The BU fans may claim that
BC is their chief rival but there is no doubt in my mind that Shawn
Walsh and Maine are Jack Parker's chief rival.  With the resurgence of
UNH, this only makes the league that much stronger.  I am also excited
about the possibility of adding Vermont if Hockey East is somehow merged
into an America East hockey conference.
 
>
> BU is coached by Jack Parker, who doesn't like Shawn Walsh and vice versa.
> BU has really hated Maine in recent years because of the NCAA stuff.  That
> is when I have noticed the nastiness increase.
>
 
My take on this is that BU and Parker don't like the fact that they are
no longer the clear top dog of the Eastern hockey scene.  Maine is
arguably the best Eastern team of the 90s (even when you consider all of
the recent mess with the NCAA).  Now, I don't think Parker's ego likes
that very much.  Why do you think Parker takes advantage of every
opportunity to take Maine down when he has the media's attention?? He
and BU have been solid contenders for a long time.  They had a drought
in the 80s as far as titles go but they got one in the 90s so Jackie can
relax a little.  However, I think he wants to be recognized as the "Big
Dog" but this little dog name Shawnie keeps nipping at his heels.... ;-)
 
just my $.02!
 
- Kevin
 
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"Some days are diamond, some days are stone... "