STEELHEADS HOCKEY

Franchise isn’t treating Flichel very well

Something stinks in the rink.

Nine-year Idaho Steelheads veteran and captain Marty Flichel was not re-signed this year.

Fans went into the offseason wondering whether Marty would be the new coach or play another year. It never occurred to anyone that he might not be rehired.

However, new coach Brad Ralph wants a younger team. So Marty is out; no winter job and no benefits for his family. Not a very nice way to reward them for their years of service.

Marty has proven himself year after year to be an excellent player, top scorer and good role model for other players.

Marty and Rachel have graciously given their time to the community. Fans adore their daughters; we have come to think of them as our Princesses of the Rink. The arena will feel empty and cold without their presence.

To rob Marty of one last year of play and not retire his jersey is a horrific injustice. To give a new, mostly untried coach this much power is a questionable decision.

There are many who ask that the decision be reversed. A veteran player such as Marty can only enhance the coach’s efforts.

Petition available: Facebook.com/GiveUsOurCaptainBackNow

ANGEL PETRAGALLO, Boise

BSU FOOTBALL

Thank you Boise,from Miami (Ohio)

I want to take this opportunity to thank the fans of Boise State, the staff of the university and the entire Boise community for making our stay this past weekend a very pleasant and enjoyable one.

From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, we encountered nothing but kindness.

Of course, the outcome of the game was not what we had hoped for, but all we heard the entire time surrounding the game and during the game while walking around was, “Thanks for coming to Boise. We hope you have a wonderful time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.”

My husband, who is the president of Miami University, and I have occasion to travel to many games, and I can honestly say that we have never been treated so well.

As a native Idahoan, born in Jerome and raised in Lewiston, I was so proud to spend time with my Miami University family back home and to have people from Ohio experience what I already knew to be true. Thanks so much, everyone. Best wishes.

VALERIE HODGE, first lady, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

The good, bad& truly ugly

Good: Broncos looked great (against Miami) and new talent is awesome. Robert Prince seems to understand how we best operate. New perma-bleachers in South End Zone get an A-. Our awesome “noise potential” hasn’t been fully tapped, but it will.

Bad: Length of line at main SEZ entrance is even worse than last year with additional seating. Add an entrance and/or personnel to alleviate. The kids selling candy in SEZ were adorable, but they’d have done much better with drinks on a 90-degree afternoon. Almost halftime before we saw lemonade. Steps right above SEZ center walkthrough (others?) abruptly change to taller height and one in three people tripped. Suggest visual prior to someone doing a royal face-plant.

Truly ugly: With a $15,000 gift card to Best Buy, I could purchase a better sound system than the one we heard: an ear-grating, unintelligible mess. Additionally, the time has come for a much larger, sharper jumbotron. Bet we could find a slightly used one at an affordable price. Finally, it’s time to alleviate the massive halftime exodus to tailgate area and bars for beer at halftime, let our collective hair down and add a profit center for further stadium expansion/enhancements.

ROB LOVE, Boise

Home opener was impressive performance

Congratulations to the BSU football team for an excellent performance (against Miami). Bronco Nation is fortunate to have such an exceptional team with dedicated coaches and players.

I would like to encourage all of the fans to exhibit the same dedication. Show your appreciation and respect by staying in the stadium as our Broncos leave the field.

Strong programs deserve strong fans.

TERRI SPEICHER, Twin Falls