I see the semi-annual ECAC bashing has begun already.
 
Let me just say that I don't understand the mentality that drives people to put
down, demean or otherwise ridicule the ECAC.
 
The idea that top to bottom the ECAC is the weakest of the four conferences is
indisputable, even by the most ardent ECAC fans.  But the gap is a lot closer
than the perception.  If you had to rank conferences 1-100, and you gave the
other three a 52 (just for argument's sake), I'd give the ECAC a 47.  Some
people perceive it as a 35.
 
So why do some people get enjoyment in the fact that the ECAC is a small step
below the others?
 
I would think that hockey fans in particular would be sensitive to being
criticized for being 4th among four.  Isn't the sport of hockey considered 4th
in the pecking order among the four major US team sports?
 
Not only that .... but who in the ECAC is insisting they are the best (in
strictly hockey terms)?  They understand where they place, but also wish to be
respected for how competitive the league is internally, and externally.
 
Of course the ECAC is a small step below --- they include 8 non-scholarship
schools, including 6 Ivies and  4 Division III institutions.  I would think
they should be praised for being as competitive as they are considering the
obstacles.  The ECAC schools choose to include those obstacles, so they can't
complain, but some credit would be nice.
 
And as a college hockey supporter, let's remember that we need as many viable
teams as possible. Shooting down the ECAC, for whatever reason, is destructive.
 This goes for many people inside of hockey too.
 
I request everyone try and keep some of these points in mind next time they try
to put down the ECAC. I have spread my wings over the last few years and
thoroughly enjoy the hockey from all of the conferences ... I hope others will
try to give the ECAC the same respect some time -- for the good of the sport.
 
Adam Wodon - AC Productions
Host: "Around the Rinks" - The only National College Hockey talk show
Listen 24 hours/day, 7 days/week at:
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