Dissent in the booth

Hockey Digest, May-June, 2004 by Rich Laurito

I disagree with two of your picks in the "Honors and Dishonors" story. First of all, Steve Coates is not the worst color-man in hockey. I have heard a lot worse over the years and Coates brings a lot of knowledge about the game in a unique way. Gary Dornhoefer is in the booth for the expert analysis and all three Philadelphia broadcasters are extremely entertaining to listen to.

As for selecting Barry Melrose the best studio analyst, no way. He is the most biased studio announcer that I have ever heard in any sport. Every time I hear him on TV it's Detroit and Colorado this, Detroit and Colorado that, even when two other teams are playing. If he knows that much about the game why isn't he behind a bench?

Rich Laurito

Nazareth, Pa.