Thanks to Steve W. for posting the interesting news about the Guvnuh's Cup.
I'm not sure if I understand the "Backwards Beanpot" reference, but I am
*very*  excited about the possibilities.  There are some natural rivalries
that already exist there (Maine-UNH) and others that are just waiting to
happen.  Top quality teams and an ECAC member to go with the HEasties to add
a cross-conference mix...  If this is marketed well and gets even a small
fraction of the media coverage that the Beanpot gets, it will certainly be a
big boost for local college hockey.
 
I find the decision of UMass-Amherst to pass on the tourney a curious one.
Some may remember that I became a bit cranky about a year ago when this first
was discussed since it was assumed that UMass-Lowell would be left
out in the cold since it was not the primary UMass campus.  So I'm delighted
that UML is *in*.  My initial speculation was that UMA anticipated being a
punching bag in the initial years while they brought their program
up to speed and so they opted out.  If so, then it seems like a short-sighted
decision.  I've also heard *unconfirmed* rumors, though, that they would only
be in the tourney if UMass-Lowell was *not*.  And since there was apparently
some scheme (that I can't figure out) such that UML *and* UMA would *both* be
in, that UMA decided that if they couldn't be the *only* UMass school, then
they wouldn't be in at all.  I'm not sure if I can swallow that level of UML
paranoia, but in any case I'm am bookoo happy that the Guvnuh's looks like
it'll become permanent reality and UML is in.
 
Go Rivah Hawwwks!
 
DaveH