Friday night the Friends of Maine Hockey held a benefit auction for
the Maine Hockey program.  Players wore tuxedos and helped replenish
snacks at the tables.  An unofficial tally indicates $33,000 was
collected for the program.  Among the notable results is the fact that
a Scott Pellerin autographed New Jersey Devil jersey went for $1500,
exceeding that paid for jerseys from Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and
Cam Neally.  A photograph of Cal Ingraham and Garth Snow went for $480.
Many local businesses contributed goods and services, as did friends
of the program from outside the state.  The seven senior players each
had a turn at the microphone, and (with considerable emotion) said a
few words about their experiences at Maine.  This was a great idea,
a great evening, and clearly a successful fundraiser for the program.