I have tried the archives (to no avail), but have seen no discussion on the
list about this, so I ask...Would people like to see a 16 team NC$$ D1
play-off with 4 regional sites?  I understand that there are ticket sales
issues as well as travel expenses to consider, but I submit that is the
current format is a revenue generator, a 16 team tourney would be no worse.
 
One format change that would help this would be to have a "host" for each of
the four regional sites.  Having seen the West regional at Madison this past
spring, it was certainly not a neutral site (especially for Michigan) and
really no college hockey venue is.  Why not reward the top four teams?
 
The most positive off shoot of this idea would be more room in the NC$$
for strong, non-dominant programs.  As it stands, one can virtually assume
that each year the NC$$ will feature Boston U, Maine, Michigan, Michigan
State, LSSU, Minnesota, Wisconsin & Clarkson.  I know these teams have
missed a few tourneys, and I've probably missed one or two.  The point is
that after the "automatics" there is room for 4-5 others.  What would be
nice to see a few St. Cloud States, Western Michigans etc. in the tourney.
Such an appearance would help recruiting for the less accomplished schools
and keep hopes alive at places like Ohio State where it would be a step
backwards to lose a program (geograpically speaking).
 
The other drawback would be that save lots of travelling, many schools would
have to play schools in their own conference.  I would guess that "package
tickets" to these events would draw big crowds on the chance that the host
school was to play twice.  Anyone have any opinions on the subject??
 
 
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