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Cony vs. Brunswick more than just a game

The Class A tournament basketball game between Brunswick and Cony March 5 was a great game. I admit I wanted Brunswick to win the game, as coach Todd Hanson is a former student of mine. However, I must admit I think everybody “won” in a much more important game – life – when Cony coach Bruce Hunt benched one of his star players for receiving a technical foul.

I wonder how many people, not just coaches, would put ethics and reputation ahead of “winning the game.” I want to congratulate coach Hunt for having the strength of character to make such a difficult decision. The athletes, the students, the Cony community, and the population as a whole learned by example a greater lesson than one that can be learned on a basketball court.

The athletes played great basketball and everybody won!

Catherine Richard

Guilford

Poor behavior

As a Bangor fan at the Bangor vs. Brunswick game March 6, I feel compelled to commend Brunswick on their win, but also feel it is necessary to address how little class their star player showed at the conclusion of the game. With time still on the clock this player held the ball and tried to hand it to the official and then lifted his shirt, extended his chest to the Bangor fans and put his finger up to indicate that he or they were number one.

This action was nothing short of an individual who has let well-deserved praise for his basketball skills go to his head and it showed the poorest quality of all, total arrogance. As an adult, I hope every young person who saw this tasteless display understands that to be the star of the night isn’t everything, but being a person who is respected and shows class is.

I hope that the Mr. Basketball committee reviews the tape of this incident and thinks long and hard about this player being awarding this honor. This “star” needs to watch others, such as Joe Campbell, to learn what standards Maine basketball fans expect from their players.

Marlene K. Susi

Bangor

Maine hockey needs Lobster Pot Tourney

With the addition of the University of Vermont into Hockey East, I would advocate that it is a ripe time to organize a northern New England version of the popular and competitive “Bean Pot” tournament annually held in Boston.

That tournament heightens the intra-city rivalry of three Hockey East teams (Boston College, Boston University, and Northeastern) and a contiguous “nemesis,” Harvard.

Why not offer an annual “Lobster Pot” hockey tournament for the “non-urbanites” comprised of the Hockey East teams of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont and a likewise competitive rival from the northern climes, Dartmouth?

Would the “average” Maine fan rather spend their season- ticket money on a tournament where Maine’s winning was not a foregone conclusion because of the disparity of teams?

Let’s face it, watching Maine play Quinnipiac, or USAU-18, or Niagara, or Holy Cross or New Brunswick in some local tournament is not very satisfying for the fans and really has very little relevance to strength of competition. I always feel that such “tournaments” are watered down and not very beneficial to the victor, much less the fans.

This year, Maine Hockey had one home game in December. It might be a fruitful idea to schedule, sometime in the near future around the holidays, the first annual “Lobster Pot” at Alfond and host the Division I teams of northern New England. The teams and fans could share in a festive lobster meal a day prior to the event.

The winner of the two-day tournament would win a lobster trophy; the losers would play a consolation game (perhaps that winning team would receive a chicken lobster trophy). An all-star lobster pot team would be selected as well as a most valuable player.

Such a tournament would be a sell-out, respectably competitive, an exciting traditional event, and fun – plus who doesn’t love lobster?

Tracy Gran

Season ticket holder since 1978

Winterport

Penalty on Thorne

I have been acquainted with Gary Thorne since the winter of 1979-80, when he was the original radio voice on WBGW for UMaine hockey.

I’m sure he doesn’t remember me; I was the “board op” back in the studio, playing commercials during timeouts and such. Great memories, and I am proud to be a very small part of what UMaine hockey has become, as well as enjoying watching Gary’s success in broadcasting on a national stage, not to mention his columns in the BDN.

However, I must respectfully disagree with his comments concerning the latest act of violence in the NHL.

It seems his main point is that no matter what injuries were incurred, the same penalty should be assessed. I find this notion absurd, and keeping in mind that some people believe analogies are poor arguments, I would ask Gary this: If two different burglars broke into your house, and one stole a toaster while the other stole your TV, sound system, coin collection, firearms, antiques, and the cash in the wall safe in your bedroom, would you want both thieves punished equally?

Dave Glidden

Bucksport

Note to readers: The NEWS asks that 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, ME 04402, or e-mailed: bdnsports@bangordailynews.net