I just wanted to take a moment an add a few other things..

First, my post was not meant to slight any of the other efforts that other
schools have taken to help Coach Walsh and the Coaches Foundation.  BU for
instance also raised money for the foundation and Walsh had a warm
reception there as well. Walsh and Jack Parker have seemingly grown closer
over the years as well.  I believe Parker was the first coach to call
Walsh when his cancer came out, but don't quote me on that!

I believe also that Notre Dame dedicated their intra-squad game to the
foundation.  It's my understanding that they dedicate the game to some
charitable organization each year.

North Dakota wore special sweaters here with the name "Walsh" on the back
to be donated to the foundation and they will be auctioned off.

I'm sure there are many more instances of the college hockey community's
generousity that I am forgetting (as I did with BU in my initial post) or
am unaware of.  All of us here in Maine are humbled and appreciative of
all the efforts that everyone has undertaken, as I'm sure Coach Walsh is.
This is what makes college hockey (and its fans) great in my opinion.
Thanks to everyone!

-dt


--- Deron Treadwell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Being a Maine fan, I've had my share of disagreements on this list over
> the years with UNH and BU faithful.  But stories I am hearing out of New
> Hampshire in the wake of the Maine/UNH series should make all college
> hockey fans proud.
>
> First, the UNH boosters raised money Friday night for the coaches
> foundation, which was established to help coaches like Shawn Walsh who
> become ill (in Walsh's case with kidney cancer) with medical expenses.
> The boosters put up their share of the 50-50 to the foundation, which
> was
> worth as I understand it over $2000.
>
> This check was presented to Walsh after the first period of the Saturday
> night game and according the radio account here in Maine, most (if not
> all) of the fans at UNH stood and cheered.
>
> I also believe Walsh was the guest of honor at the Friends of UNH Hockey
> lunch on Saturday.  It appears that people there were very respectful of
> Walsh and were interested in his health, the team and his assessment of
> the UNH team as well.
>
> UNH fans have been some of the more vocal opponents of Walsh over the
> years, but I am personally very proud of our neighbors for the class
> that
> they showed this weekend.  They are a credit to college hockey.
>
> On the same note, Walsh noted on the radio that as he was coming off the
> ice following the presentation of the check to the coaches foundation, a
> fan yelled at him (UNH fan).. "We are praying for you coach."  To which
> someone near them counted, "Yeah, but we still think you are an SOB."
> Walsh found this exchange amusing.  He thinks this intensity is one of
> the
> great parts of college hockey I believe.  He doesn't expect any more
> love
> from the Wildcat faithful than Jack Parker gets in Orono.
>
> Also, it really appears that UNH coach Dick Umile and Walsh have a close
> relationship.  Walsh spoke on the radio of riding to the lunch together
> with Umile and how they talk regularly.  Umile has openly been one of
> Walsh's best supporters since diagnosed with his illness.
>
> These types of things soften the "sting" of a 4-1 loss Saturday to the
> rival Wildcats, but we'll try for the split in early Feb.  Thank you to
> UNH!
>
> -Deron
>
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