Alan Harder <[log in to unmask]> writes:
>  3   7 Minnesota          272   1 ----  3 ---- 24   2
 
>I have read that Minnesota is incredibly deep and strong.  It
>surprises me that they only got two first place votes.
 
Well, you have to keep in mind that both Michigan and Vermont lost very
little, and Michigan is defending national champions, and Vermont went to
the final four last year.  While Minnesota is an excellent team, and very
well may challenge Michigan and Vermont, as well as some others, for the
national title, at this point Mich and Vermont seem the logical 1-2.
 
>  5   1 Colorado Coll      264   1 5.4   3  14  25   2
>
>Why has CC dropped to number 5?  Loss of personnel?
 
I actually voted CC lower than this.  They have lossed some personal, and
just don't seem to have the talent and depth that the top four have.
 
>  7   3 Lake Superior      193   4 ----  6 ---- 24
>
>Same question as CC.  Is it loss of personnel, or is LSU viewed as
>having overachieved last season?
 
Not only did LSSU lose some key players, they also lost a great coach in
Jeff Jackson.  Jackson is now director (I think that's his title) of USA
Hockey.  This team can be very good, but has a lot of question marks at
this point.  LSSU didn't overachieve last year.  They had a lot of talent.
But they lost some players and a great coach, hence the drop.
 
> 20   6 Western Mich        26  11 ------------  9
>
>Huge fourteen place drop for Western Michigan!  What's the story with
>the Broncos?
 
You have to keep in mind when you point out these changes, each team is
putting a different squad on the ice from last year.  And, quite frankly,
Western doesn't have what they did last year.  I don't think they'll be
quite that low, but it'll be tough for them to make the tourney this year.
 
Well, that's my take on Alan's questions.  There were no major surprises
in the poll to me, except for Harvard resurfacing in the top 15 after two
(or was it three?) years out of it.  I think they'll be interesting to
watch this year.  Although I don't think anyone is up there with Michigan
and Vermont this year.
 
                                -Josh Kleinbaum
                                Go Blue!  1996 Nat'l Champs!
 
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