Dave Hendrickson, always with an interesting weekly column on uscho, writes this week about tough arenas to play in. Some of the Alfond related comments: "Maine is obviously the toughest place to play," says Providence coach Paul Pooley, reflecting the consensus opinion of Hockey East coaches. "Alfond is not as loud," says Northeastern coach Bruce Crowder. "I was an assistant up there before they blew out the sides. It's definitely not as loud as it was before, but the decibels can get up there pretty good still." That's a point that New Hampshire coach Dick Umile confirms with a rueful chuckle. "When they start going, let me tell you, you can't even hear yourself on the bench," he says. Read the column at http://www.uscollegehockey.com/m/he/?data=preview --- --- Maine fans were great last night, if somewhat sparse (4000+ compared to the previous weekend's 5600+). With school now on spring break, there are great tickets available. Brave the storm and watch your most interesting Black Bears! cheers, wayne Wayne T. Smith [log in to unmask] Old Town Landing The College Hockey lists, Hockey-L and Hockey3 at http://lists.Maine.edu/