I sincerely hope that the 'discussion' regarding the behavior of the Cornell
band and at RPI and Union does not turn into an all-out flame war :)
However, just to add my two cents (not adjusted for inflation): I can't
understand why the Cornell band wasn't allowed to play at the Field House
either. In the past, the Cornell band has, at least when I've been there, been
as respectable and well mannered as any other band. My only rationale for the
decision is that someone at RPI decided that with 'America's Pep Band' in
absentia for the contest, allowing the Cornell band to play would be giving the
Big Red an unfair advantage. Then again, if this were '84-85 that would be one
thing, but with the Engineers struggling a bit, even at the Field House, the
higher-ups probably figured RPI could use something like this in its favor.
Secondly, Tom Tseng is right...a battle of the bands would be fun for the
whole family during the game. It's a very enjoyable part of college hockey.
Anyone who has been to the ECAC playoffs of NC$$ championship I'm sure will
agree that having at least 2 bands there (and usually 4, counting all teams
involved) livens up between periods. But I guess that in the RPI case, someone
assumed the fans wouldn't take kindly to it, etc. In any event it's too bad.
The Cornell Band made the drive from Ithaca, so they at least should be given
the right to play. If not, maybe RPI administrators should notify the opposing
teams' band well in advance so they can make alternate arrangements if need be.
It's just an idea.
As for interrupting the National Anthem...it's not the first time such an
event has occured. And I realize that it's all in the spirit of fun and the
game. But as is always the case, someone is bound to take offense when
something like that happens. Remember the debacle over flag-burning a few years
ago? Maybe the usher was a veteran or someone who takes respecting the anthem
very seriously. It's just that the crowd at Houston (and I've been going there
since I was 7) participates in the singing of the National Anthem and I think
that as a whole, no one really appreciates disruptions during what many
consider to be a moment to reflect upon the game and respect the flag and our
country. I don't mean to sound like a true dyed-in the wool patriot here, but
as an example of Houston fans' respect of the National Anthem consider the
fact that even during in years where they've handed out horns or cowbells for
the Big Red Freakout, when Don Birkmayer (the announcer) asks everyone to stand
for the Anthem it is one of the few times that you can hear a pin drop in the
Field House. And that's during the Freakout!!!  So it doesn't surprise me that
the usher got so upset.
In regards to Maine's rankings in various polls..Wayne, I couldn't agree with
you more (and don't forget that I pay to go to Maine :) ). One need only take
into consideration Maine's strength of schedule (according to TCHCR) and that
would seem to justify a number 2 ranking in the NC$$, TU, WMEB, etc. polls.
Besides, let's not forget that Maine has lost to Wisconsin, Northeastern, and
Boston University and that these, especially the loss to NU, certainly don't
warrant #1 in the country at this point. (In my opinion, of course)
Let's look at it this way: maybe if Maine is not ranked #1 that will be all the
more incentive for them to play their damndest and not take anyone too lightly.
Overconfidence has been their own worst enemy in the past. I hope that #2 won't
let them feel too good about themselves; they just can't afford to right now.
 
--Sid      [log in to unmask]