Just a quick message for those of you who may not have
    heard.
 
    The college hockey world lost one of its true class human beings
    Friday night when New Hampshire head coach Bob Kullen died
    unexpectedly.  Kullen, who underwent a heart transplant operation
    in 1987 after developing a rare heart disease, had spent the last
    few years building up the UNH program to a point where it was
    again able to compete with the top teams in the country, going so
    far in March as to shock Providence in the Hockey East quarterfinals
    and come within a minute of upsetting Boston College in the semis.
    The Eagles got the game-winner in OT and went on to win Hockey
    East and finish third in the NCAAs.  Kullen was named 1990 New
    England Division I Coach of the Year for his efforts as his team
    went 17-17-5.
 
    He had been forced to relinquish his duties to associate Dick
    Umile while regaining his strength after his medication was
    altered, but everyone expected he would be able to return at
    some time this season.  That's why this came as such a shock.
    Apparently Kullen was out for his daily walk with former UNH
    head coach Charlie Holt when he suddenly found it difficult to
    breathe.  He was rushed to the hospital and passed away.  A
    moment of silence was held at Merrimack prior to Saturday's
    game and the same was most likely done at many other rinks.
    The funeral will be Tuesday.
 
    Everything I have heard about Kullen points to the fact that he
    was a man who cared deeply about his players and their development
    as human beings first and hockey players second.  UNH, Hockey
    East and U.S. college hockey have lost a great man.  As channel
    4's Bob Neumeier said to close his tribute to Kullen, "Goodbye, sweet
    prince."  He will be missed.
 
 
    - mike