>Dave Hendrickson writes: Before anybody played any games, there were
>polls based on expectations. That is true, but games have been played
>and of course early season polls mean very little I think it is foolish
>to even have Harvard rated in any poll until they at least play a game.
>I always thought polls were based on the overall performance and record
>of a team not upcoming expectations.
>
>Brad Cuyler.  NMU
 
I looked back at some of the most recent polls sent out, and most do
have Harvard ranked between #5 and #6.  However, in the WMPL poll,
Harvard did not make the top ten.  It appears that the voters are
having this same debate.  I believe that if the preseason expectations
of Harvard had them ranked #6, they should not drop out of the poll
just because they have not played any games yet.  What has happened in
the hockey-l poll is what I would expect; teams seem to be jumping
ahead of Harvard after big wins or falling behind them after losses.
I would disagree if Harvard ever moved up in the polls without
playing any games.
                                        Brian
                                        Lafayette College '97