I have been accused on occasion (usually by one of my fellow Wolverine fans)
of touting Notre Dame Head Coach Ric Schafer a little too much...but the
following has to be said.  I don't know how he did it (or who should share
in the credit with him), but I've been following The Irish's schedule the
past two years and Schafer is a genius.  Many folks around the county are
aware that the CCHA has been experimenting with regular season game in
larger, off-campus venues.  Michigan has faced Michigan State for the past
few years at Joe Louis Arena, and last season the Wolverines played the
first ever hockey game at the Palace (setting a new NC$$ attendance record).
 This season, Michigan will take to the ice at the Palace once again, Ohio
State will host a couple of games at the State Fairgrounds and Miami will be
featured at the Cincinnati Gardens.  Where does Schafer come in?  Other than
the UM-MSU clash, Notre Dame is the opponent at all of these sites.  These
off-campus games draw a larger crowd, for generally a higher price, and
produce a sizeable increase in revenue over a campus site.  And Notre Dame
is reaping the monetary benefits.  The Irish are also appearing in the Great
Lakes Invitational next month, which annually draws 28,000-32,000 spectators
over the two days.  Jerry York (BGSU) has the inside track to
Coach-of-the-Year honors, but there should be an Executive-of-the-Year award
presented to Schafer for bringing $$ and exposure to ND.
 
One day when Notre Dame comes into Ann Arbor and walks all over UM, I'll
think back to the Palace, a 5-1 Michigan win, and Schafer leaving the arena
with a wad of dough "to get some Roberts' and Wisemans."  And I'll be
shaking my head.  :-)
 
  John H
  U Mich