Kalle Oakes’ issue with fighting in hockey should not be made at the expense of the Lewiston Maineiacs. The argument regarding fighting in hockey is old news. This has been debated, praised and condemned for years by people far more qualified than Oakes.

Currently, fighting is allowed at the professional and semiprofessional levels, and it looks like it is here to stay.

The problem is the timing and tone of the article, and that it appeared on the front page of the paper hours after the Maineiacs season opener. Just when the Sun Journal seemed to be improving its coverage of the team, along comes the sarcastic “Hot Corner,” basically insulting the fans at the game and degrading the Maineiacs. The article even mentioned the irrelevant fact that the game was not sold out, which only added more salt to the wound.

All this after Mark Just recently purchased a full-page ad in the paper thanking fans and sponsors for their support.

Shame on the Sun Journal and Kalle Oakes for the bad timing and lack of responsibility. We are very fortunate to have the Maineiacs here, and they are working hard to ensure their survival. They don’t need help like this.

Just deserves an apology from Oakes and the Sun Journal.

Oakes should not write about hockey or the Maineiacs. In my opinion, he is not qualified. He is not worthy.

Stephen C. Theberge, Lewiston