Regarding the question of doormats...between 1988 and 1994, every team
in HE made at least one trip to the NC$$ tourney.  Merrimack made its
trip as an Independent in 1988, however, and is probably the only team
that could be considered close to a doormat thus far.  On the other
hand, with only 5 HE seasons under their belt, it certainly seems as
if the jury is still out on Merrimack's "doormat" status; recent years
have seen marked and consistent improvement.  For example, last year's
team would have finished 14-21-2 overall not counting the 2 forfeits
from Maine, yet 12 of the 23 games they did not win were decided by 2
goals or fewer.
 
Also note that of the other 7 HE teams, each one made at least *two*
trips to the NC$$s over that 7 year span.
 
BTW, "8889conf stand" is now in the archives too.
---                                                                   ---
Mike Machnik                                            [log in to unmask]
Cabletron Systems, Inc.                                    *HMM* 11/13/93
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