I thought that I would be able to remain a passive observer concerning
this latest incident of impropriety in Maine hockey, but the enormous
amount of mail I have received on the subject just do not seem to be
hitting what I consider is the most heartwrenching aspect of this whole deal.
Here the Maine hockey sits wondering whether their season is over with or
not.  Knowing what it is to truly love a sport, I can imagine the agony
that these young men are having to endure.  "Will we or will we not be
playing this upcoming weekend?" is a phrase I am sure has been asked
several times by every Bear player.  And what happens if they do win this
weekend's series?  Can they be assured that they can play next weekend?
And as long as they keep winning, this thought process will continue.
 
 
Let's say for a minute that Maine wins the HE tournament, and qualifies
for the NCAA's.  They play extremely well, as often happens when you play
on emotion, and make it to the Final Four, (where they face Wisconsin -- ;-)).
But, right before they are to board the plane to St. Paul, they are
informed that a ruling has been made, overturning their temporary
injunction (N.B.  I am not a legal expert, and have no idea if this is
possible, but humor me for the moment).  Can you imagine the heartbreak
that must be felt?  Those of you who have been to a competition like the
Final Four or have even competed in one obviously know what I mean.  The
Final Four is the prize.  It's the reward for all those hard hours spent
in the off season.  To have that prize in your hands, then to have it
snatched away -- I know that would be more than overwhelming for even the
cruelest of people.
 
 
With this in mind, you have to be rooting for the boys from Orono (unless
you are a BU fan).  I know that part me wishes to see them defend their
title under extreme adversity.  It sure would make the pain they have
suffered all the more bearable.
 
 
I don't mean to say that hockey-l'ers shouldn't be debating the wrong and
right of this situation, but it just seems to me that the emotional part
of this dilemma is far more important and significant to the drama than
what legal precedent will now be set.  And because I feel this way, I just
had to rant and rave a little.
 
 
I would hope that I am not the only person on the list to feel this way,
but if I do, well, it won't be the first time I have stood alone on a
particular viewpoint.
 
 
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U        U       W                     W *** TROY THIELE
U        U        W         W         W  *** LORAS COLLEGE (GO DUHAWKS!)
U        U         W       W W       W   *** One of the few college hockey fans
U        U          W     W   W     W    *** that resides in Iowa.
U        U           W   W     W   W     ***
U        U            W W       W W      *** "It's a great day for hockey" --
UUUUUUUUUU             W         W       *** "Badger" Bob Johnson
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Wisconsin's next victim:  North Dakota (Wins of 5-3 and 3-1).