Mike posts (and writes): >Here is "The Sporting News" pre-season hockey Top 20, with their comments: 1. MAINE. After coming close in recent years, the Black Bears are poised to win it all. [...] 6. PROVIDENCE. The Friars will continue to make strides in a rugged Hockey East race. [...] 8. BOSTON UNIVERSITY. The Terriers lost some key players, but strong recruiting alleviates the losses. [...] 15. BOSTON COLLEGE. Returnees from the Olympic trials could determine the Eagles' course. [...] 20. NEW HAMPSHIRE. A solid Wildcat unit ensures Hockey East of another crop of strong teams. >UNH is being severely under-rated here at #20. They could battle it out >with Providence for 2nd place in HE. I also expect them to earn their first >NCAA bid since 1983. Now Jim L will be upset with me for jinxing the Cats... Shh-hhh-sh - it was supposed to be a secret ... If everyone *thinks* UNH is no better than a 20th ranked squad, and prepares accordingly - then we can ambush 'em !! Ranked only fifth-best in HE - there's certainly no danger of the 'Cats getting swelled heads reading *this* press clipping ... GO BLUE !!! In point of fact, most clear-thinking Wildcat fans will be very happy with a finish anywhere in the HE Top 4, since they've never earned home ice advantage for the playoffs in any campaign since the formation of Hockey East. Jim P.S. [with apologies to B. Fenwick] Why I Don't Laugh at the Guys on the Beach with Metal Detectors Anymore: ----------------------------------------------------------------------- A news item in last week's Washington "Post" described how Ron and Lillian Rade of East Hampton, NY discovered a New England sixpence while sweeping the beach with their metal detectors in February, 1990. Only 7 others like it are known to exist, and it's expected to command $30- 40,000 at auction this Fall.