First off, I want to apologize in advance. This post will likely be highly emotional, not just because of the ruling, but because my emotions have run the gambit since I got a phone call late last night about my grandfather, so I guess you could say I am not exactly calm at this point The news: WCSH and WLBZ, the NBC affiliates in Portland and Bangor broke the story at 12:00 that Superior Court Justice Robert L. Browne handed down a restraining order against Hockey East, reinstating Maine into the tournament. Dave Ahlers, on hand at Alfond, and Rob Caldwell in the Portland studio said that Browne handed down the order because he felt that the information presented to him did not indicate that Hockey East had just cause to suspend Maine from the playoffs. He also said that if more facts present themselves, the league is capable of taking action against the team/school at that point. He also cited that Hockey East had nothing to lose by allowing Maine to play, but if Maine was wrongfully banned from the tournament it would be an injustice that could never be corrected. I do not know if those were direct quotes, but that is what was said by the reporters. There was supposed to be a press conference at Alfond around 1:00 PM, but I was unable to listen to that because of family matters. There is the possibility that Hockey East could seek a higher court ruling but Ahlers said that was highly unlikely. It was also mentioned (though not explained) that Maine may not be playing BU in the first round. I have no idea why they were speculating about that because as I say they never fully explained; they were probably hoping to keep people watching the entire broadcast to find out why... One point of sportsmanship in this case I would like to bring up. Yesterday the justice informed HE that they had until 4:30PM to file any papers in their defense. Their lawyer was unable to make it to court until after 4:30, arriving a few minutes after that time. UMaine's lawyers were asked if they objected to having the papers filed late. According to a PPH article this morning, it appeared that Browne was ready to make a decision, and Maine legally could have prevented the papers from being filed, and kept HE from having a defense. But UMaine wanted "the case heard fairly" said Paul Chaiken, one of the lawyers handling this case, and allowed the documents to be entered into the record, thus delaying the decision until today AND giving the league a defense, which Maine could have prevented. At least there a sign that decency exists. I do not know when I'll be able to post again. At this point my family members are going to continue our daily schedules, but that may change. If I am not able to post, I hope someone around Maine will continue to post the facts of this case as it goes on. I want to thank all the people who have sent me mail, both in support and critical of my posts. Although the topic was not pleasant, it has been good to trade viewpoints and arguements, and I am glad that there are so many passionate fans out there. John Forsyth "You'll never find anything more rnjoyable, or more heartbreaking, than the Boston Red Sox." -William Forsyth 1900-1994