First the ECAC is weak because the average team in the league is
weaker than the other leagues.  It did not matter that the league
some how manage to field a respectable final 4 team most years and
that there was some variety in which school it was not just one
powerhouse in a weak league.  Now the league may be "on average"
stronger than it has ever been bases on its record against non league
opponents.  But since it appears at this point to lack a final 4 team
this year it is a weak league.
 
I just love Catch 22's like this.
 
I do not see an absolute or relative decline for the ECAC this year.  In
terms of recruiting it seems that even lowly teams like Cornell are
bringing in good talent which of course could be a reason for the lack
of a powerhouse in the league.  It also the way it looks on the ice--it
seem to me as if most of the teams (not Harvard) have more talent.
 
Mike Machnik has indicated (I believe) that he feels there has been
some decline in college hockey talent since the mid '80's.  I see a
fairly stead improvement on average but I can imagine some sort of
relative decline compared to professional hockey considering the
huge influx of European players compared to the dribble of European
players in college hockey.  His view may also be one based on the
best talent (and/or pro potential) versus my view of average talent
and specifically college talent since I think that pro potential is not a
relevant criteria.  Div. 1 hockey has not expanded significantly in the
last few years but the pool of talent has expanded and improved as
youth hockey has continued to grow and improve in areas that did
not traditionally produce hockey players plus there has been a
dribble of European players.  For example Cornell's freshman Ryan
Smart, a NHL draft pick and the potential to be a great college player,
is a product of western Pa. youth hockey--I believe their first Div. 1
player.
 
Steven Rockey
Mathematics Librarian
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