John, I hate to take issue with you but I gotta.
 
Vicki said:
What are the rewards for most!?!?
 
A letter jacket.
A team Picture.
An opportunity to play with great players.
The chance to excel and grow as a player.
The camaraderie and life lessons.
 
Vicki is right.
 
They play for the love of the sport and their teams, not for a dollar.
 
They are not stupid, no matter what their hopes, dreams and aspirations, most
of them know the odds are against their ever playing "up".  Let's put that
biased attitude to rest.
 
Also, most of the team has to pay something for their education, and the
chance to play for Maine.  Those of you who go to Center Ice Club have heard
Coach Walsh say he gave this player or that half a scholarship.  He divides
them up as much as he can.  That means these boys and their parents end up
with bills just like the rest of us!
 
Add to that the discipline and demands of practice and balancing their
schedules, the giving up of normal rights other students take for granted,
(like being picked up by someone who recognizes them if they are broken down
on the highway, or being innocent until proven guilty).  These kids give up a
lot to be the great teams we pay to see, and cheer on 'til we're hoarse.
 
I've been around too many of them, male & female, for too many years to NOT
know that they DO sacrifice.  ALL student athletes do that, at ALL schools.
They do NOT deserve to be characterized as venal.  Please stop.
 
Cathy Hart
Glad to be associated with the Finest College Hockey Program in the Nation!