That's the way I see it. I seem to recall back in the 70's and 80's before Cheel opened up at Clarkson, that the Knights always
were considered a very physical team known for their hard hitting and brutal checks in the corners and along the boards. When Cheel opened with a bigger ice surface, Clarkson changed their recuiting strategy targeting the likes of Eric Cole and Willie Mitchell whose forte' was speed, agility and stick handling. This change of focus along with the change of dimensions of their home ice surface complemented each other and has led to a continuation of the success Clarkson's hockey program has enjoyed over many long years.
 
>I recall a conversation with an assistant coach of a team playing a
>"faster" team who, when asked if he thought playing a physical game
>would be helpful, responded "you have to catch them to hit them."
>
>It seems to me that the larger area works to the disadvantage of a more
>physical team and to the advantage of a "finesse" team that can move
>the puck around the perimeter and pounce on an opportunity.  Perhaps
>both people are right...
>
>Things happen faster on the smaller rink, but the faster team has a
>better advantage on the larger sheet.
>
 
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