Just a quick message for those of you who may not have heard. The college hockey world lost one of its true class human beings Friday night when New Hampshire head coach Bob Kullen died unexpectedly. Kullen, who underwent a heart transplant operation in 1987 after developing a rare heart disease, had spent the last few years building up the UNH program to a point where it was again able to compete with the top teams in the country, going so far in March as to shock Providence in the Hockey East quarterfinals and come within a minute of upsetting Boston College in the semis. The Eagles got the game-winner in OT and went on to win Hockey East and finish third in the NCAAs. Kullen was named 1990 New England Division I Coach of the Year for his efforts as his team went 17-17-5. He had been forced to relinquish his duties to associate Dick Umile while regaining his strength after his medication was altered, but everyone expected he would be able to return at some time this season. That's why this came as such a shock. Apparently Kullen was out for his daily walk with former UNH head coach Charlie Holt when he suddenly found it difficult to breathe. He was rushed to the hospital and passed away. A moment of silence was held at Merrimack prior to Saturday's game and the same was most likely done at many other rinks. The funeral will be Tuesday. Everything I have heard about Kullen points to the fact that he was a man who cared deeply about his players and their development as human beings first and hockey players second. UNH, Hockey East and U.S. college hockey have lost a great man. As channel 4's Bob Neumeier said to close his tribute to Kullen, "Goodbye, sweet prince." He will be missed. - mike