has subzero temps, headwaters of the Mississippi, Mall of America, an
abundance of fortune 500 companies, not to forget the NHL (WILD) back soon
and as Lucia put it in the Star Trib, "some very passionate hockey fans" (not
meaning to spike interest so early and travel log you to death, 2002 in St.
Paul.)
 
Regardless of recent Goph performance doldrums, the seeming statewide
watering down of player caliber and competition, Minnie still has a premiere
state-of-the-art facility (Mariucci), a whomping collection of benefactors,
local fan support, as well as a hockey network of ice surfaces and players
that isn't going to go away.
 
Lucia said in the Star Trib in an article April 11, that he "understands the
pressures at the "U," remarking that "coaching hockey at Minnesota is a lot
like coaching football at Notre Dame." Lucia compared the two as reeking with
TRADITION. Mike Sertich said that Lucia can handle MINNESOTA. In the same
Trib article Sertich said, "expectations and stresses" (like 25 talk shows
and newspapers) run high here. Woog said, he couldn't "coach anymore and
endure the relentless criticism."
Certainly, Lucia and the Gophs will be tested early on with matches against
Maine, the National Champs, BC, North Dakota, Michigan and Michigan State,
and other top teams.
 
P.S. Forgot to mention, "the body" our Gov, and a home town vernacular (let's
just call it TRADITION) that sets us apart from other places.
 
 
Vicki Price
Concussion Free Zone
violentcontact.net
 
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