(wts .. This was a "FanFeedback" column quoted from the Tuesday BDN)
 
I would like to recognize the University of Maine men's ice hockey team
for its outstanding display of courtesy, class and patience during the
"Skate with the Bears" session, which was held after Sunday's (Dec 12)
game against Quinnipiac.  Several hundred young Black Bear fans streamed
onto the ice to rub elbow pads with their hockey heroes.  The
organization of the event was top-notch as each young skater received a
photo roster of the team as they stepped on the ice.  Each Black Bear
was armed with a permanent marker, which helped stop the frantic search
of pockets and pocketbooks for pens, by the less-experienced parents of
young autograph seekers.
 
The Bears, looking tall and strong to everyone on the ice, politely
greeted each youngster and granted every autograph and photo request.
The players moved quickly from signing jerseys to helmets and everything
in between, always pausing long enough to make each child feel special.
 
Special kudos to Maine goaltender Trapper Clark for facing hundreds of
shots from young hockey players who all wanted to score on a Maine
goalie.  He was enthusiastic the entire time, even after the first
hundred shots and the line still snaked nearly the length of the ice.
Coach Walsh should feel proud of his team, not only for giving us a
great come-from-behind victory on the ice during the game, but for the
way in which his players lived up to their responsibility as role models
after the game.  Speaking as a coach and a parent, I hope the university
continues this program in the future.
 
Keith Englehart
Benton