Lovell is going to UMass.. Give me a break! In the UMass release, I'm sure you've all read it by now, Lovell said he wanted to play post-season hockey and UMass could give him that chance. Great, Lovell can go to Walter Brown Arena and play in two Hockey East Tournament games and end his career. Wow, that's worth missing half a hockey season for Tim great choice. I'm sorry that this is dripping with sarcasm, but it bugs me. Every UMaine player is just as upset as Lovell is that they can't play in the postseason, but for Lovell to transfer to UMass and justify it by saying that it's to play in the postseason is ridiculous. When you've played in an NCAA title game like Lovell has, you mean to tell me that two or three HEA playoff games justifies leaving your teammates, and the school and coach that made you who you are? Sure UMass has the chance to win Hockey East and go to the NCAA's, every school has that. But realistically speaking, UMass isn't going to be a favorite for even home ice next year. I can't figure this move out, but the one thing that seems clear to me is that Lovell wanted to be somewhere other than Maine. He was the first one rumored to be going elsewhere, and really the only public rumor about a transfer. This seems strange to me, considering that Greg Cronin made him a captain in light of several other talented seniors. Lovell is going to help UMass, but he's not going to help them do anything spectacular in half a season. In case you missed it the NCAA says he needs to sit out half the year because of the transfer of credits.. whatever. The point is UMass will be a preseason #7, #8 or #9 team in Hockey East next year, and Lovell, while talented, is not going to make that big of an impact from December on. Going a step farther here, is Lovell helping his pro potential by transfering to UMass and missing half a season? I don't think so. I'm sorry, but even though Maine is missing the postseason, if he leads them in scoring that's an accomplishment and something to sell to the pros. More scouts will still be coming to Maine than to UMass next year. Now he'll star for half a season at a school in the lower part of their league, leaving a school that potentially might be one of the top 5 in the nation. Greg Cronin talked about loyalty to the program, and how players should be loyal to UMaine and the hockey team. I do agree with him to a certain degree. If a player had a chance to transfer to BU, or BC or Michigan, or another top school I'd help them pack because it's a great chance for them. The big blow to these guys is the postseason, that's what they came to Maine for and that's what Maine has been all about for years. But to transfer to UMass after all Maine did for Lovell is a slap in our face as fans, and if for no other reason I hope Maine wins their appeal just to spite Lovell. --- Deron Treadwell - [log in to unmask] Old Town, Maine ME-HOCKEY Administrator