First congratulations to Clarkson for almost making everybody
forget AA over BC!  I wasn't surprised about Clarkson's win
over Wisconsin, heck, I'm an RPI alum and even when Clarkson
is down its tough getting the two points up there, but winning
on the road at this time of year, especially after losing the
second game and having to gather yourselves for the third, is
a tremendous feat.
 
Which brings me to the proposed format.  If you think being a
top seed (and having a weekend off) is a big advantage now,
what will it be worth when you get to watch two teams push
each other to the limit Friday and you get to play the winner
Saturday?  Suppose you are an independent (or a 12th seed) and
have to play Thursday too?  Don't the people who dream these
things up think hockey is strenuous?  Do they ever talk to
hockey players?  Would Clarkson be where they are now if they
had had to play Wisconsin Friday and face a fresh Lake Superior
Saturday?
 
This proposed format is supposed to cut down on travel.  Under
the current format 8 teams travel - four the first weekend and
four the second.  Yes, the same team may travel both times (i.e.
Alaska-Anchorage), but count them twice.  Under the proposed format
all 12 teams must travel.  The site will be chosen in advance and
I'm sure the committee is envisioning Joe Louis or the new place
in Albany and not (say) Alfond Arena.  True, it will be two days
instead of (potentially) three, but I don't see much saving either
out of pocket or in time away from classes.
 
Enough on this nonsense.  For you Minnesota fans your team put on
a great weekend of fast skating and hard play.  They wore down
at the end, but never retreated into a shell, just kept trying
to come back the whole time.  My seats are in the balcony right
over the visitors section so I had the full benefit of the band.
It's nice seeing such enthusiastic support for the team.  All
the fans I talked to enjoyed the skating cheerleaders and Gomer.
Pay us a return visit anytime.
 
I understand a group of about 50 students have a bus and are
headed for the twin cities for the tournament.  Say "Hello!"
if you find them in the crowd.