Hi !
 
This is my first post in a long time so I thought I would just get
reacquainted with everyone on the list.
 
First, I want to respond to Frank's questions :
 
1) Has the number 10 ranking gone to their heads ??
 
I hope not.  I don't think they have any reason yet to be overconfident.
They have not played any of the tough teams in their division yet.  This
weekend should prove to be their toughest test of the young season.  I
am a former Maine grad who holds UNH season tickets.  Although I am
slowly becoming a UNH fan (mostly due to geography), my heart still
belongs to Maine (I am a 1984 grad of dear ole Maine!!).  UNH has good
forwards and they like to go to the body.  They have been hot lately
and they will be geared up for Maine after last season's embarrasing
playoff losses to the Bears in Orono.  UNH is the weakest at goal where
Maine should have the decided edge with Michaud.  Maine is quite
fortunate that they won't see Matile until later in the year unless
they happen to meet in the upcoming Governor's Cup.  Expectations are
high around UNH concering the debut of Sean Matile - LaRochelle's play
has been nothing short of abominable to this point in the eyes of most
of the UNH faithful.  The thing I am most fearful of heading into this
weekend is the relative ease in which UNH handled Northeastern and the
struggles that Maine had with them at home.  Robitaille and Northeastern
did not look very good in the 9-4 UNH victory that I just recently
took in.
 
An aside about goaltenders, Tim Thomas of UVM is the best college
hockey goalie I have seen in some time.  I saw UVM's 5-1 victory over
UNH earlier this year.  He was unbelievable.  I think UVM will go a
long way this year - especially with the nearly impenetrable backstop
in the form of Thomas.
 
2)  Was Cronin out coached ???
 
I didn't see the games.  However, I have been impressed in the past
with what Crowder has got out of seemingly little talent at UML.  It
wouldn't surprise me at all to see Northeastern turning some heads by
the end of the season.
 
I would now like to pose a question concerning the unofficial Maine
Hockey page.  Deron, is the page gone forever or only under construction
again.  I realize you have been busy with US College Hockey On-Line
stuff but I was just wondering what the future of the Maine page was.
 
Sorry for the long-winded message!!
 
Take care and thank god it's college hockey time again!!
 
Keep the opinions,etc. coming....
 
- Kevin
 
P.S.  Any word concerning the status of the Maine appeal on the post-
season ban for this hockey season???  Are they going to keep Maine
hanging in the balance for the entire year???
 
 
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"Some days are diamond, some days are stone... "