I'd like to apologize to Minn and Wisc fans for offending you with my statements about the football/basketball teams. I chose my words poorly. Playing in the Big Ten, both schools face fierce competition. They have solid programs that enjoy periods of greatness. We see that at most of the Big Ten schools. However, their hockey programs are consistently GREAT, with some periods of not-so-greatness. That's why it shouldn't surprise anyone that both schools and locals are big supporters of the hockey program (in addition to the home grown talent on each team as has been pointed out). While not wishing to offend, I'll say that there have probably not been many occasions where Minn or Wisc fans had to chose whether to support the basketball or hockey team on a given weekend during the post-season. This past year, Detroit area fans had to chose. Since hockey has not and is not as widely supported as basketball, I was not suprised (although disappointed) in the poor attendance at Joe Louis. I am a BGSU alum. Not trying to extole the virtues of Michigan or MSU, just (poorly) trying to explain why I think there was poor attendence at Joe Louis and it would not have been the case had the games been held in Minn or Wisc. Besides, I'm a computer programmer. We're not supposed to know how to express ourselves. :-) :-) :-) Once again, my apologies. Did not wish or mean to offend. Forgiven? :-) :-) Paul