Thanks for the article, Kevin. I have the same feelings sometimes. This has been the season that HOCKEY-L subscribers have learned what "flame" means :-( I think you answered your own question when you suggested that the HOCKEY-L participants are substantially young. The internet is substantially college based and so we have lots of students and recent grads participating. The internet surely isn't representative of the world, US or college hockey populations! But in many ways, HOCKEY-L mirrors the fans that show up in Alfond Arena in Orono, ME .. and probably many other arena around college hockey. Alfond probably has about half students (about 2,500) at most games, but they tend to be quite vocal compared to the "other" 2,500. But I think a relatively small percentage of the students participate in the hockey program outside of attending games, compared with the "other" 2,500. HOCKEY-L lets a lot more people from each group participate. But for local media coverage that many of us read, HOCKEY-L is the first mixing of the two groups for many people. Just as the first season "elder" subscriber might be surprised by a "homer" opinion emotionally stated, perhaps some of the first season "young" subscribers learn that others are just as proud of their programs and that friendships with other schools' fans can be great. HOCKEY-L is blessed with a great number of fans and participants devoted to a great sport! Almost anyone that has attended the NCAA final four ice hockey tournament will come away with respect for the competition on the ice and respect for their new-found friends from across the country. Yours in college hockey, Wayne Smith The College Hockey Discussion List administrator Systems Group - CAPS BITNET/CREN: wts@maine University of Maine System internet: [log in to unmask]