Interesting thread that Jason started.   Most folks seem to feel that the
MAAC should have to prove itself in some way before it gets a bid ... like
in basketball.   Yes,  I agree.   They should prove themselves against the
established hockey conferences in the same way that the Ivy League,  the
Patriot League,  and the NEC basketball conferences have proved themselves
against the Big East,  the ACC,  and the Big 10.   Which is to say ... they
haven't.   Not even close.   And yet they still get auto bids.   And every
once in awhile they give someone a very unpleasant upset in the tournament
which we all get a charge out of.
 
        JMHO.   Flame away all you want.
 
        -- Dick Tuthill
 
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