I suppose I should sheepishly admit that I know how Minnesota fans felt
when they opened Mariucci Center, or BC'ers, what there thoughts were
once Conte Forum first hosted hockey. (Mullins Center folks at UMass,
too.) One tends to want to wax philosophic about the state of the "new
barn", and how the whole panorama fits in with the game of hockey.
 
Others have spoken at length about the Whittemore/Towse environs; the
wonderful sightlines; The short lines for rest rooms; The fervent sweep
of fans in full excitement mode, enjoying the sights (and *loud* sounds)
of the place. There is no need for me to add to those thoughts.
 
For me, the primary feeling was: how can this place measure up to the
ineffable spirit that characterized Snively Arena? The karma was
certainly right that first night-- after all, you don't knock off the
nation's numero uno by sheer good fortune alone. The place is not, and
never will be, the old "Lively Snively", from the far corner of which I
witnessed nearly 20 (two-oh) years of fabulous hockey from up close and
personal distance. Those times are gone.
 
But, although there's no way that I, or my "corner-mates", can stand
behind the glass in this new place, we will love it just the same. Thanks
to all on the list who have sent approving notes about the rink. We all
feel the same here.
 
 
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Robert J. Constantine                | >>  The Corner Man  <<
Chemistry Library                    |
Parsons Hall                         |  "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit
University of New Hampshire          |   of Hockey"
Durham,  NH  03824                   |
(603) 862-1083                       | UNH in '95-'96= 'Cats WILL Be Back!
E-mail: [log in to unmask]          |
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