For several years, the ECAC had done away with consolation
games. They've been back for two years now and one has to wonder
whether today's was the last one. The argument in favor of the consolation
is that it will, ostensibly, draw more fans from the semi-final schools
if they know in advance that they will get to see their team play
two games. Even if they lose in the semis, there is always a consoloation
game.
 
But let's see what happened in Lake Placid this weekend. Yale enters the
tournament as the RS champion and number one seed. If the win the league
championship, they go to Albany with a 1st round bye. If they lose in the
semifinals and Clarkson wins the title, Clarkson probably wins the bye in
Albany but at least Yale gets to stay east. By playing and losing in the
consolation game, it looks almost certain that Yale will get sent west
leaving their fans either high and dry or with a substantial trip next
weekend if they want to support their team.
 
One has to wonder whether the potential extra dollars in the pocket of the
ECAC is worth it.
Mark Lewin
RPI - class of '69
 
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