An Alfond opportunity

Yes, the UMaine Black Bears brought back the national championship trophy last April, and this year’s team its 13-2-2 record is living up to that reputation. Then of course, much to the dismay of coaches in Hockey East and opponents across the country, Marty Karyia is playing for coach Shawn Walsh.

The Black Bears have captains with ethics on and off the ice – spearheading this year’s Toys for Tots campaign, making sure every child got a picture with a genuine “Larose smile” and an opportunity to be on the ice, no matter how small or limited in mobility.

The Alfond Arena (in Orono) is a pretty special place, too. In my extensive travels to Hockey East arenas, including The Centrum (in Worcester, Mass.) and The FleetCenter (in Boston), the Alfond appears to be the only arena accessible to the deaf community. Only in Orono is the national anthem posted on the reader board for all to read, as well as the names and numbers of scoring players and those headed for the penalty box.

I have never been in another arena where the fans respectfully join in singing the national anthem and even wait until it is finished to cheer. Good work student section!

Finally, although we are an enthusiastic crowd, we root for our Black Bears rather than harass opposing fans. I was in New Hampshire last year for that painful weekend and what was far worse than the back-to-back losses was the intimidation of the crowd toward Black Bear fans and players. My family and I were afraid to sit in our seats. Despite a heavy police presence we stood through both games behind the Maine section because we did not feel safe sitting while surrounded by the Wildcat fans.

Black Bear Fans, the Alfond Faithful, we have the opportunity this weekend to show that we are the best fans, the best sports in Hockey East, in college hockey. Come out for Wear White Weekend against New Hampshire, show true sportsmanship, and bring Wear White Weekend back to the classiest arena and the number one college ice hockey program in the country. Linda Mosley

Hampden

A flagrant omission

It’s the time when all-century teams are being chosen. And in basketball I note one flagrant omission, former Minneapolis and Los Angeles Laker forward Elgin Baylor. The best player pound for pound of his era (late 1950s to early 1970s), Baylor had great body control and scored more points in a single game than anybody except Wilt Chamberlain. Against the best defensive forward of his day, Boston Celtic Tom “Satch” Sanders, Baylor once scored 61.

While we’re on the subject, did anyone ever hear of Bob Pettit and George Mikan? William R. Sawtell

Brownville

Note to readers: The NEWS asks letters be kept brief and reserves the right to edit submissions for libel, taste, clarity and to fit available space.

Letters should include a signature, full name, address, and daytime phone number. Letters may be mailed to: P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, Maine 04402-1329 or e-mailed to: bdnmail@bangornews.infi.net