I cannot pass up this topic.  I definately agree that college hockey is
mostly a regional sport right now.  I think that there are two ways to
help "nationalize" the sport.  First and foremost is to ride the
coattails of the NHL.  It is growing by leaps and bounds in the national
audience.  The IHL and AHL are both experiencing record breaking seasons.
College hockey needs to publisize itself and market their products better.
For example, Living in Western Mass. I hardly heard anything about great
young teams like Denver, LSSU, and Wisconsin (except for this list of
course.)  Teams such as BU and Maine have rivalries that could and should
be built up and advertised.
        Secondly, the powers that be should put a little pressure on
ESPN2 to pick up the games.  ESPN's little sister is the perfect first
step toward national exposure.  I'll admit that I could not name two
IHL teams before this season, but the Deuce brought it into my
livingroom.  Considering the recent success that colloege players have
had in the NHL, (several Hobey winners included) it seems logical to
expand coverage of our great game!
 
                                                John Leighton
 
please forgive my numerous mistakes, and "Fill the Steins to
                                        Dear Old Maine..."