Howard’s a class act

What a class act. Hats off to University of Maine hockey goalie Jimmy Howard. Game after meaningful game this winter, the Black Bears seemed to come up one goal short in their quests for regular season and playoff game success.

Throughout all this, Howard’s goaltending play was simply superb, and you never heard him complain. He just kept coming out to try and help his team win. Finally, in the recent NCAA playoff game in Minnesota, in front of a totally hostile and biased crowd, Howard played almost a perfect game and the Black Bears still came up a goal short. It had to be frustrating and anger-provoking for him, yet other than the remains of a broken and shattered goalie stick found in the corner trash barrel, there was not a public peep of complaint.

Then, to top that off, he was quoted in the BDN as consoling a freshman teammate, who was feeling badly about an error that he made, which led to the winning Minnesota goal. “Don’t worry,” Howard was heard to say. “I still love you.”

Hockey players of all ages can learn a lot from Jimmy Howard’s classy example, even the unemployed professionals. If Maine is lucky enough to have him back for one more year, they can thank their lucky stars, and perhaps this year’s frustration can lead to late-season success for Maine next year.

With Jimmy Howard as an example and a leader, I wouldn’t bet against it.

Nicholas Boys

Sargentville

UM hockey a big bust

The Maine hockey team was a big bust. They lost 13 games that they should have won. They also spent too much time in the penalty box so the other team could score. I also don’t think Jimmy Howard is that great a goalie. I hope they realize that they must play a better game of hockey next season.

Leigh A. Blanchard

Bangor

McCallie deserves praise

For Joanne P. McCallie and her Michigan State Spartans, it must have been the greatest feeling in the world, to have overcome a 16-point deficit to come out victorious over Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols of Tennessee.

We would like to express our most sincere congratulations and accolades to the former University of Maine coach. We couldn’t be more happy for you in being named the AP women’s basketball coach of the year.

Alberta Farthing-Owens

Baileyville

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