This is in response to Jason Pierce's message from the UK wondering about UNH
fans and their attitudes towards Maine as in "most hated rival", etc, etc...
 
As a card-carrying oldster as far as hockey fans go (Warning: "Dating
Myself Time"-- I've watched college hockey since way back in '66), it
seems that UNH had intense rivalries with other teams well in advance of
Maine's appearance in Division 1 hockey. If my memory serves me, BU was
our most hated rival for a long time, and, I'd still have to say remains
the "Team We'd Like Most To See Lose" among all our HE rivals. BC and
Providence have taken turns as "big enemies" as well.
 
As for the Black Bears, sure, *most* UNH hockey fans would say that a win
over Maine is extra satisfying, and that games with the Bears are usually
one of the hardest tickets in town to grab onto. But, I do not believe
that Maine is head-and-shoulders above other schools in this regard,
particularly BU. It also appears clear that Wildcat fans of other sports
are decidely more dispassionate about their teams, whether playing Maine,
or not. IMHO, Maine's fans are more enthusiastic versus UNH fans in
head-to-head encounters, with only hockey (and, possibly orange-ball this
year) being exceptions. We may feel a strong rivalry with Maine, but we
don't feel it as strongly as the Bears fans apparently do. Any other
Wildcat fans agree?
 
                                Bob C.
 
                                The Corner Man...