I have just returned from Boston and have now had a chance to watch the tape
of the games. While is Boston I was monitoring the thread of the discussion of
Hockey-L relating to ESPN's coverage and expected to find an amateur
production. Surprisingly, I was impressed by the professional coverage that
ESPN gave to the games and think they should be commended, rather than
criticized.  Steve Levy and his color man Brian Eng??? (his last name escapes
me) were enthusastic and IMHO properly explained the differences between the
college game and the NHL game in a manner inferring that the college game is
better. In fact, if I am not mistaken I think that Brian was a Badger in his
earlier life.
 
As for the Bubbenzweig issue, I found it to be amusing and in fact I believe
that Steve Levy may have done it intentionally. He certainly knew Bubba's last
name was Berenzweig and called him that most of the time.  However, since most
people know Bubba by his first name, rather than his last name, maybe Steve
thought that "Bubbenzweig" was a more descriptive way of referring to him. I
certainly don't think that it warrants the ridicule that has appeared in the
last few days on Hockey-L.
 
Anyhow, ESPN should be commended for its coverage of the games.  Prime time on
a Saturday night is awesome exposure for college hockey. The nation was
treated to a great game. While I am ecstatic that Michigan won their second
national title in three years, it is a shame that there had to be a loser on
Saturday night.  Both teams played their hearts out and played to win rather
than playing not to lose. Let's be happy that ESPN has raised the profile of
our game and stop complaing about them.
 
Jack Berenzweig
 
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