I won't get into a comparison discussion about the NHL and the IHL,
but I will say that the IHL deserves praise from any and all hockey fans.
Not only has the league expanded to include cities such as Houston, where
I reside, but I think it is genuinely interested in exposing all geographic
locations to the excitement of hockey.
        I believe this effort is sincere because of what I saw at a Houston
Aeros game the other night.  A large number of seats were holding what
looked like magazines upon entering the Summit.  As I got closer, I
realized that they were indeed copies of The Hockey News.  I applaud
the IHL for this touch, and although I realize it serves the purpose
of selling their own product,  I believe the result will benefit the
sport in general.  Who knows, maybe in a few years the Rice Owls will
join the CCHA!!
        The more obvious benefit of the exposure is to be able
to watch many of the college hockey players that couldn't make it to the NHL.
I've seen many of the ECAC players that challenged RPI when I was there,
and I'm sure there are quite a few more college players that I can't
recognize.  I'm sure everyone agrees that the big winner is the fan,
and that elevates hockey in my opinion.
 
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Mike Sprung RPI '92}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}