Two cadets we sponsor (Jeff "Mario" [ or is it "splinters"] Barlow and
Scot "Spic 'n" Spann) invited us to a post commencement party
yesterday afternoon.  In attendance were several notable figures from
college and air force hockey.  Rumors also abounded.
 
Curt Roloff, standout defenseman from the 1990 falcons, had returned
             to administer the oath of office to a graduating cadet.
             Curt is at March AFB and is not skating much.
 
Matt Watson, Curt's defense partner, came in from Plattsburgh to
             join the festivities.
 
Brian Nobs, newly second lieutenant will be assuming duties as
            assistant coach next fall.  I reminisced with his parents
            about the trips down to Pueblo through horrendous ice
            storms to play (him) and watch (me) the JV team against
            the Ratliff Ravens, a pueblo semi-pro team, and visits to
            some of the nether reaches of denver for JV games (even
            getting to watch one through the window of "Lord Stanley's
            Pub" at alpine rink.
 
Bill Benson, older brother of Falcon goaltender Mike Benson and his
             folks.
 
Tony Retka, Graduating Falcon Captain who will be going on to graduate
            school and pilot training and who, incidentally, looked a
            whole lot better than when I saw him on the sunday morning
            after the national championship game as he was making his
            way into the airplane to rest up from the previous nights
            festivities including the trophy swim.
 
Chris Marinucci, a NY Islanders recruit who is hoping to play with
                 them instead of their Denver farm club.  He rated
                 (granted this was after more than a few beers) St.
                 Cloud's goal tender from last year as the best in the
                 WCHA, but caveatted (is that a word) that he only saw
                 Jamie Ram in one game as Duluth played only 2 against
                 tech, and Jamie's partner got the nod in the other
                 game.  We discussed league doormats, and concluded
                 that such things existed in 3 of the 4 leagues.
 
                 Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but he also
                 felt that St. Cloud and CC should both have made
                 the playoffs.  I know many of you out there disagree
                 with that perspective.  Anyhow, it was a fun
                 conversation.
 
                 Yes, I KNOW he was the Hobey Baker awardee this year.
                 It was interesting because as i was making my initial
                 trip out to the cooler, i noticed him and just
                 nonchallantly said, "Hi chris, i haven't seen you
                 since the award ceremony."  Then about a minute
                 later, i realized who he was.
 
Unidentified Female (she was soooo intoxicated i can't remember her
             name, or is that I was sooo intoxicated)  She's the
             daughter of somebody who came out to swear in a cadet and
             a former maine student who knows most of the maine hockey
             players.  Anyhow, the relevance is that through her, I'm
             able to report some GOOD NEWS about Maine Coach Shaun
             Walsh.  With the forthcoming wedding of his daughter,
             Shaun's about to become a father in law.  When you get to
             be old enough to have children of that age, it is a great
             pleasure to enjoy their passing through milestones.
             Shaun, if you are reading this, I hope you take the joy
             and pride from this milestone that your folks took when
             you were wed, and may your children continue to heap joy
             on your life.  Congratulations.
 
charlie shub
[log in to unmask]  -or-  cdash@colospgs (BITNET)
(719) 593 3492               (fax) 593-3369