I'd like to publically commend the University of Maine, and more
specifically Sue Tyler.  Sue Tyler began her job October 1st, and she was
hired to do a job, and she did it, and she got it done quickly.  Obviously,
she didn't have a hand in the investigation, or in the allegations, but she
was responsible for imposing the sanctions that I outlined in INFO-HOCKEY-L.
It was not easy for her to do, she was choked up, and it wasn't easy to
hear.  But she went ahead, and did it, as fair as she could to everyone
involved, including Shawn Walsh, but still making it harsh enough to serve
as an effective penalty.  I can't say enough about her, and I feel very
confident that she will be an incredible asset to the University.
 
Obviously, as a life-long blue-blooded Maine Hockey fan, who grew up with
the building of this successful program, experienced the NCAA heart-breaks,
and shared in the excitement of winning a national championship, the reality
that the #5 team in the nation will not compete in the NCAA tournament, and
the reality of the other harsh penalties that will hurt the team, not only
by the suspension of Walsh, but the recruiting the scholarship penalties, is
very sombering, and saddening.
 
That said, it's very hard for someone like me to be objective in this sense.
Of course I'd love it if Maine, and the NCAA said, "Oh forget about it", but
that isn't practical.  Mistakes were made, people need to be punished for
those mistakes, and the University of Maine has taken it on the chin, and
they responded accordingly.
 
This has been a black-eye for the University of Maine, and to the ice hockey
program, and now both can begin to start over.  It's been tough on the
University, and the hockey team.  It's sad that players *today* have to be
penalized for the mistakes of yesterday, and I feel for them, but there were
mistakes made by the program, and those needed to be dealt with, and they
have been by the University.
 
While Hockey East post-season is up to Hockey East, it is *doubtfull* that
they will allow Maine to play.  To those who do not know, Maine had to go to
court to play in the post-season tournament in 1994.  Perhaps this is a case
in when that may in fact be the best thing.  Surely the Maine players would
like to play in it, but I don't think anyone should push it.  It's all part
of paying the price for mistakes made.  I for one will support whatever
Hockey East decides upon.
 
The only question remains is will the NCAA add any sanctions?  Perhaps, but
that isn't clear.  Tyler researched, and talked to NCAA contacts prior to
making the sanctions made public today.  Obviously this is a case in which
Maine hopes the NCAA will take into consideration what Maine has imposed,
and find it acceptable in light of the allegations.
 
So in summary, I applaude Sue Tyler today, and her actions, as disappointing
as they are, make me proud to be a student at the University of Maine, and I
am confident she will be leader for Maine athletics throughout her tenor her
at Maine.
 
As for me, as a Maine fan, I move on.  It's good to finally have things out,
and the process rolling along.  Even though it is disappointing, it is a
relief in that sense.  I have great faith in Greg Cronin's ability to coach,
and even though it is under very poor circumstances, this is a great
opportunity for him. I wish him luck.  I also wish the players luck in
dealing with this, putting this behind them, and improving as hockey players
as well as students.
 
Moving forward,
---
Deron Treadwell - [log in to unmask]
University of Maine
 
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