John H. has definitely hit upon something: Clarkson could very well be moved
out West.  I for one have always thought the fairest way of seeding would be
to take the top 4 teams RPI-wise and give them each a bye; if the two top teams
RPI-wise were both in the same region, one would get the #1 in their home region
and the other the #1 in opposite region.  Same with the #2's.
 
However the obvious drawback is the attendance factor.  While the East Regional
does ok attendan$e-wise, the West hasn't been great.  Last year Munn did OK,
and Dane County will probably do fine this year as well.  But there not that big
arenas, and they're basically campus sites.  The Joe did so poorly the NC$$
pulled out after the 1993 event.  Thus moving #1's and #2's around is p
potentially dangerou$.  That was the whole raison d'etre last year for the
Michigan State and RPI swithcheroo.  While purists like Mike and Dave may moan
about the "disadvantageous" relocation of U Mass Lowell, the draw at the two
Regional sites, especially the Knick, justified the NC$$ decision.
 
Which makes a Clarkson move-out to Madison particularly appealing.  Clarkson is
not going to bring in many fan$, no matter where they play.  The Black Bear$ w
will guarantee their site a good crowd; BU will add some of its alumni; Michigan
might bring in some fan$.  (John H and other Wolverines--where are the Michigan
fans at the tournament?)  Madison will be packed, without a doubt.  The
Cheeseheads have the most loyal, and mobile fan contingent in the country.  TThus
it makes sense, competition-wi$e, to pair Wisconsin with a couple of teams like
LSSU and Clarkson, who play great hockey, but don't pay the bills.
 
Please note, this discussion is not a prediction of the upcoming competition,
just a treatise on capitalism, which, as Mike said, is what the tournament is
all about.
******************************************************************
Brian Morris                 Nothing to Lose.  Go RPI!
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