At 11:28 AM 11/21/96 EST, Wayne Smith wrote:
>Deron wrote, in part.. (my words within [square brackets] .. wts)
>>[2 Maine losses this weekend] would effectively remove any hope of a regular
>>season title, and with no post season turn this whole season into something
>>practically irrelevant.
>
>I certainly hope this is not a widely held belief.  Maybe it comes from
>years of watching Maine have losing seasons that were "practically
>irrelevant" only for non-Mainers and those that could only measure
>success with banners and championships.
 
Let me clarify my comments.
 
Like Wayne, I too will support the team no matter what.  Hockey, and Maine
hockey, is what true fans love regardless of wins, losses or ties.  Just
being able to see people play this great game is a great reward in itself,
everything else is only icing on the cake.
 
My comments were directed at the the idea that some players themselves may
very well feel the rest of the season will be "practically irrelevant",
especially the seniors should Maine fall out of the race.
 
That's not to say that they won't play hard, or play to win.  But I don't
think that we are being fair if we don't examine the possibility that if
Maine does not win their appeal, and by that point are well behind in the
Hockey East race that some players may choose to "shut down" or to not put
in the effort in practice and/or games.  It's not a foregone conclusion that
this will happen, but it is fair in my opinion that we consider it.
 
Falling out of the regular season race isn't all that impacts this team,
let's face it, the appeal is a huge deal.  If you have a shot at the post
season, the focus is always there, regardless of your place in the standings.
 
On the flip side, by that time Shawn Walsh will have returned to the bench.
Walsh is known for his ability to motivate players, and it's quite likely
that those who are not motivated won't play.  I'm sure Walsh will do a good
job at making sure that the focus is still there regardless.
 
Remember this is all just speculation.  What is important are the games this
weekend.  Wayne is right, Friday is very important and a win Friday goes a
long way!
 
 
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Deron Treadwell ([log in to unmask])