Magazine highlights Maine sports

The Jan. 28 issue of Sports Illustrated magazine highlighted the sports scene in Maine, marking the 28th of 50 state-specific sections to be published in the magazine as part of its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.

Identifying the National Toboggan Championships as a sporting event unique to the state, the six-page feature included an accompanying essay by Paul Kariya of the Colorado Avalanche, who played college hockey at the University of Maine.

The section included a wide range of facts, figures and photographs highlighting the memorable moments that have shaped Maine’s sports landscape.

Newsstand copies in Maine featured a cover-flap identifying the special Maine section.

Highlights from the special section included:

. Greatest Moment, editor’s pick: In front of 2,434 people in a converted high school hockey rink, Muhammad Ali rumbled with Sonny Liston in Lewiston for a rematch for the heavyweight title he’d taken from Liston 15 months earlier. The 1965 match is remembered for Ali’s so-called phantom punch that upended Liston and, captured by photographer Neil Leifer, became one of the most memorable images in sports history.