Maine fan for Sioux

Ask your ticket people if the seats are in section II (as in double-i) - the normal spot for visiting team tix. If you're above row 8, the balcony will obstruct your view of the scoreboard (similar to at Michigan). Some people might not enjoy a surprise like that after dropping 8 bills. Any way you get in, though, it should be a good time. Look for a warm welcome. I think most people still remember when UND played Maine and rolled 4 lines of "Walsh, centering Walsh and Walsh, with Walsh and Walsh on D and Walsh in net." Whatever is the opposite of New Engelstadt, that's what to expect from Alfond. No frills (except baked potato concessions?), and a seating capacity of 5500 that STILL makes you wonder if the local fire marshall dropped the ball on the whole safety part of his job

I remember it, too Fact is, you need the players to pull that off, and most of 'em are out west right now. I don't blame Whitehead for that. What he did to get this cast of characters (admittedly led by a star goaltender) to within 1 point of the HE RS crown, HE tournament title, and to the NC game is pretty amazing. Maine has a pair of real scorers coming in, and the sky's the limit for the rookie Leveille (led nation in assists with THAT offense ). Hopefully something like back to the future is in the works. Maine's PP killed them, just as BC's did Thursday. Anyway, Congrats to Denver for out-Maine-ing Maine

Hmm, this one is a tough call. I'll have to get back to you on it. Seriously, though, I'd have a hard time coming up with a reason to root against Denver if I didn't have a horse in this race. I remember seeing them in Worcester '99, when they had a nice lead on Michigan, only to see the Wolverines storm back and bury them in the 3rd. Then, insult to injury, Denver has a GREAT team in 2001-2002. Their reward is the death trip to Yost in the West regional. Yay. That's what your work all year is supposed to reward you with As a fan of a team with no shot at all ever to host (unless Stephen King pulls a Ralph and decides he wants an arena with his name on it), I can relate to that. I guess it'll actually be one of those games where you can feel good about the winner even if it goes the 'wrong' way. And on that note, time to get the keys. There's a little drive down I-95 to make this afternoon.

Have to say that the sun is shining just a little bit brighter than usual this morning. Man it's weird to have BC as your main rival. Get well soon, BU. What's the difference? When BU's on a roll, they have enough appreciation for history not to act like they invented the sport. As for TUCs - Hey, I don't set the rules, I just interpret 'em Can't say I disagree with keeping the above .500 record requirement. If anything, I wouldn't stop there! Trying to guess why these things exist is a riddle that I stoppped trying to solve a while ago. Congrats on the first season and good luck in the second. Cheers, MffS

I think Sagard has it right - there isn't much worth worrying about right now. I don't know if I'd cheer too hard for Maine tonight, though. Forget BC - if Maine wins, then they flip the comparison with North Dakota, creating a 3-way logjam in pairwise. If that happens, it also puts the Black Bears within striking distance of flipping the BC comparison during the HE tournament. I can't be with you guys on this one but the best thing for North Dakota to be top overall seed is for Maine and BC to split.