Actually the game time change was due to the strength and character of Hockey-L members. There was never enough time to talk to everyone at the Hockey-L dinner between the two games on Thursday, so due to our pleas for more time to get acquainted and to drink beer, the NCAA graciously moved the first semifinal to an earlier time. A time to take advantage of happy hour prices, I might add.

Nathan Hampton

> ----------
> From:         [log in to unmask]
> Reply To:     [log in to unmask]
> Sent:         Friday, February 28, 2003 11:58 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Timing of the First Semi
> 
>     Are there others out there who wonder what the NCAA is trying to
> accomplish by systematically moving the start time of the first semifinal
> game at the Frozen Four forward on the clock.  Three years ago, the first
> semi was scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (Providence), last year the opening game
> was set for 1:00 p.m. (St. Paul), and now, the first semifinal in Buffalo
> will face-off at 12 Noon.
> 
>     Aside from the difficulty in arriving in Buffalo (or any tourney site)
> before noontime if you are travelling by plane from any distance, the timing
> makes it virtually impossible to check into a hotel and still get to the
> arena with any time to spare.  Particularly in a new tournament city, where
> the arena is a distance from the hotels (like Buffalo) and many, if not
> most, people will be somewhat unsure of the best route to take to get there
> on foot or transit, the noon start time seems terribly misguided.
> 
>     Having said all of the above, my guess is that the game schedule is, as
> always, choreographed by ESPN2, but I would be interested to hear if others
> are wondering if we are going to be filing into the Fleet Center next year
> in mid-morning for the first game.  I'm not personally impacted this year
> (we're driving) or next, but for those who must travel long distances to
> tourney sites this year or in the future, it would be nice to retain the
> choice of arriving on the morning of the opening games rather than spend
> additional $$$ for a Wednesday night hotel room in order to ensure you will
> be able to attend the first game of the tournament.
> 
> 
> Bill Corrigan
> 
> LET'S GO BRUNO!
> 
> 
> Bill Corrigan
> 
> LET'S GO BRUNO!
> 
>