In case there was any doubt that the post-season Division I hockey tournaments
are pointless, the NCAA selection committee proved the point by announcing
the NCAA tournament pairings on Monday afternoon, hours before the WCHA
playoff championship game.
 
The results of the post-season tournaments have not affected seeding in the
past, so there was no reason to expect this year to be any different.  Perhaps
the selection committee should make their formula public, so we can all know
when the seedings are final and not wait for such well-timed announcements.
 
The teams and many of the fans at the Civic Center were aware before gametime
that the seedings had already been announced.  Though the Wildcats and Gophers
played an excellent game, it was disconcerting to know that the outcome could
not affect either team's placement in the NCAA tournament.
 
There seems to be no reason to have the post-season tournaments, except as
fundraisers.  Perhaps the WCHA might consider a bake sale next year, instead.
 
Oh, in case anyone cares to know the scores from yesterday, here they are:
 
Championship:
  Northern Michigan 4, Minnesota 2
 
Third Place
  North Dakota 5, Wisconsin 2
 
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