Although it seems that the ECAC seems to perenially hit the toilet in the
NC$$s, there is no doubting that they are a much stronger confrence than 5
years ago.  Princeton, RPI, Clarkson, Vermont, and Cornell all deserve
consideration as top 20 teams, and Union could suprise some folks this year.
 
RPI has a base of younger talent that challenged in what was supposed to be a
down year.
 
Princeton has strong goaltending and a tiresome defensive game that can wear
out the biggest teams in the game.
 
Vermont is still full of untapped potential, they should fight for the top spot
in the ECAC again this year.
 
Clarkson is losing Todd and JF, but they still have the rock in goal and a VERY
strong defense (they only lost Matt Pagnutti to graduation).  Look for players
to step up and fill the void as they always seem to (ie. Craig Conroy).
 
Finally, Cornell is the two-time defending ECAC champion.  They have been one
of the best ECAC teams in "crunch time" in the 90's.  But it seems to take a
small miracle to get any respect.
 
So for all of you ND fans, those of us in the ECAC sympathize.  Ranking BC
above any of the above ECAC teams is absurd, look at their record vs. the top
of the ECAC last year. (although they did play Clarkson better than BU did in
Potsdam, this year we're back to Beantown for the Thanksgiving rumble).
 
 
Regards,
Dan Olsen
 
IBM Global Services, Managed Operations North
CSR, Fishkill Building 504
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