While at the Central Maine Civic Center recently, I saw a thank-you letter from Roger Theriault. Next to it was a list of all expenses incurred during renovations. Not to my surprise, but I’m sure to others, every penny was accounted for, right there in black and white.

Think of the comments from hockey parents, the public and negativity from our city. All the doubters should view this list to see where all the money went. Not quite where most people thought. So many negative comments were made about Roger Theriault and what he did.

This is how I see it: Mr. Theriault brought the closest thing to a professional hockey team to the city of Lewiston, and he has made the city better for youth hockey, local businesses and for the state.

Have you ever had a dream for 18 years, dedicated your heart and soul plus every waking moment to making it a reality, only to have it ripped out from underneath you? I can only imagine that every penny in the world could not make up for that feeling.

The Maineiacs are a great thing for the city of Lewiston, but we need to remember that the Lewiston Maineiacs are here because of the dreams of Roger Theriault.

By the way, while all the doubters are looking over the financial charts, look up Roger Theriault, tell him “thanks,”and wish him well, because this is one man who deserves a pat on the back.

Erik Tiner, Lewiston