Hello college hockey fans,
 
Before the decision comes out tomorrow in the Maine v. Hockey East case, I
would like to make one final commentary on the subject.
 
 
No matter what the decision, no matter who points which finger at whom and
who calls who what... no matter what the decision tomorrow, it is a lose-
lose proposition.
 
Maine loses because its reputation has been tarnished for years to come.
(whether viewed as plotting, evil people or innocent victims of a few idiots,
the headlines have been written)
 
Hockey East's reaction, followed by Maine casting dispersions on the schools
that voted against it will cause extremely hard feelings.
 
History has shown that hard feelings of this magnitude often have a way of
lasting for years to come.  Rivalry becomes deep hatred, and the idea of
"sport" becomes clouded.
 
In ten years, some will remember, but few will care what the decision was that
will come down tomorrow.  In ten years, the resentment will still taste like
bile in many mouths.  The damage will be remembered, not the games, not the
fun, neither the excitement nor disapointment, just resentment.
 
We can go on for hours... Maine should not have filed... Well Maine would not
have filed if Hockey East had not ruled them ineligible... Well Hockey East
would not have had to act if Maine had played by the rules... well... etc...
etc... etc...  We can go on and on, back and forth for hours.
 
 
 
Unfortunately for all involved... it happened.  And no matter what the ruling,
when the judge strikes his gavel... college hockey will be the big loser.
 
 
Tomorrow, there will be no joy in the world of college hockey, only hatred.
 
 
One very somber college hockey fan...
 
Tony  BU'92'93
Former Ogre