Re: The 3rd official 09-10 Maine season thread: Bubble-icious
Nice letter to the editor in today's paper from a fan about Darling. Larry's article from today follows the letter.
Athlete’s graciousness
Due to the good will and sense of community from Coach Bob Corkum and a number of players from the University of Maine Men’s Hockey Team recently, my 6-year-old son, Cole, had the opportunity to skate with Ryan Hegarty, Mike Cornell, Joey Diamond, Josh Seeley and Matt Mangene. They were gracious, patient, and represented the University very well. However, the highlight for Cole and me was meeting goalie Scott Darling.
My son idolizes Scott, and when I had the chance to tell Scott that, he couldn’t have been nicer or more accommodating. In fact, without being prompted by me or anyone, he retrieved his game-stick, autographed it with a personal message, and gave it to my son. This impromptu and thoughtful gesture not only made a gigantic impression on a little boy which will never fade, but also caused me, as both a parent and member of the Maine Legislature, to look at the University’s sports program and its athletes in an entirely different light.
That simple but significant gesture by a young man, barely out of boyhood himself, caused a little boy and his father to look at all athletes a little differently. I know from reading the BDN that Scott’s experiencing some challenges right now, but I hope Coach Whitehead and others at the University might see this letter, and at least consider the impact, that the class, demeanor and kindness of one student-athlete had on one little boy and his family.
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/138748.html
