Assuming that the biggest benefit to a TV contract is money, why not allow the
Maine games to be broadcast by MBS but give the money that would otherwise go
to the University to some worthy charity in Orono or elsewhere?  I see several
benefits to this:
 
1) The fans who cannot make it to games in person still get to see some Maine
hockey.  Why should the local Maine fans be hurt by the NC$$ ruling?  (My
brother and nephews have watched many more games on TV in Waterville than they
have seen live in Orono.)
 
2) One or more charities receive money that could be put to good use.  Who
knows how many might benefit from this?
 
3) TV stations that carry the games collect advertising revenue, advertisers
get new customers, etc. (capitolism at work...).
 
4) The NC$$ could even take a cut.  (Don't they get a piece of the action
anyway?)
 
Anticipating someone bringing up the issue of extra "exposure" for the team
while they have reduced recruiting, scholarships, etc., I wouldn't think that a
contract with MBS gives any additional benefit unless the games are broadcast
outside of the state of Maine.  Any kid living in Maine who plays hockey isn't
going to hear about the program in Orono for the first time while watching a
game on TV.  They already know about it.
 
Not that I would expect this to happen but it seems like a lot of good could
come of it with little, if any, benefit to the hockey program itself.
 
 
                              Larry
 
 ==============================================================================
Lawrence E. Haag                      Reply to [log in to unmask] -OR-
Eastman Kodak Company                          [log in to unmask]
3/56/KP,  MC 24533
Rochester NY 14652-4533       "I think there is a world market for maybe five
(716) 477-3669                computers."  Thomas Watson, IBM chairman, 1943
 ==============================================================================
 
HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.