> Steve writes:
>
> >Not much has been made this year about the fact the non-"bye" teams don't
> >have a day of rest.  (As opposed to previous years when there's been alot
> >of complaining - re: Lowell last year).  I've been told that the
> >"higher-ups" are reconsidering this format and might consider having an
> >off-day.
 
I haven't seen anyone yet quote what the Boston Globe said in a
short blurb on Saturday:
 
     "Local coaches were talking about changing the regional format.
      Currently, the teams seeded third through sixth play Friday, and
      the winners play the top two seeds Saturday.  The feeling is that
      the tourney should start Thursday, with Friday and off day."
 
I am in favor of a Thurs/Sat system.  I don't think you need to give
the higher seeds the advantage of playing at home, as Mike suggests in
his format.  The higher seeds already get an advantage - they won't lose
in round 1 because they won't play.  That's all a bye should give you,
it should not give you a large physical advantage as well.
 
The Thurs/Sat system pros:
* No extra week off for high seeds, which was regarded as a disadvantage
  to the high seeds (and I think it was -- witness UNH this year.)
* No next day games against a rested opponent when you just played your
  heart out the night before in a tense tournament game.  Even Hoopsters
  get a day off, and it's a less physically demanding game.
* Maintains the fairness of neutral-site games.
* Stretches out the fun :) and gives us a breather before the next round.
  This is a minor point, but I think the extra day can give the games
  more publicity to the average fan.  Why hurry through it?
 
The Thurs/Sat system cons:
* The only one I can see is the fact that it is nice for out of town
  fans to be able to see both games in two straight nights.  (I've tried
  to disarm this argument in the final "pro" above :)
 
Just my 2 cents.
 
Rick O'Donnell
Clarkson '87
Let's Go Tech!!!
Clarkson hockey: http://heron.tc.clarkson.edu/~odonnell/