I have been very discouraged reading the same ol same ol from the Maine
bashers out there.  For Heaven's sake - Coach Walsh has done his time for any
real or media produced transgressions and shows all the makings of a changed
man.  Give him a chance to prove it to the rest of College Hockey, will ya?
 
Yes, the AD's decision to suspend Walsh was courageous, considering the
outcry from all the reactionary folks, but IMHO they were drowned out by the
standing ovation in January, a public showing denied us in the BDN.
 
No, Walsh is not perfect, he'd be the first to admit that (except maybe on
the golf course!)  He does not cheat, though it may salve the wounds of the
losers to believe this.  There may have been some impedment of the
investigation, due to legal advice, but that is more than out weighed by the n
ot publicized advice he gave personally to the team and every one of us who
were questioned - to tell the whole truth.  You don't read that in the Globe
or the Deadly, just the negative parts are sensationalized there.
 
Yes he is a controversial figure, love him or hate him, or a little of both
at the same time sometimes, but he is a terrific Coach with yes a winning
record, and also an admirable work ethic who knows how to put key people into
his organization and let them do their best.
 
Now I know that my "temp" position as president of the Friends of Maine
Hockey will make the bashers dismiss any opinions I give.  That is their
privilege, of course.  Those who know me know how long I have worked for
Maine Hockey and the degree of face to face involvement I have had with
Walsh.  They also know I have very strong opinions and ethics about anything
that affects these kids who place their faith and futures in UMaine.
 
Back off UMaine bashers, and give us a chance.  We are ready.  October here
we come!
 
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