From Bob Croce's T-U column this morning:
 
Albany plans to make a bid for the 1996, '97 and '98 ECAC Championships
according to Lori Slezak, director of the Albany Sports Foundation.  And the
departure of Ned Harkness from the Olympic authority certainly won't hurt the
bid, IMHO.
 
"I think you just have to realize that it's part of the bidding process that
you don't win every bid you go out and make," Slezak said.  "We'll pull out
all stops and are committed to the fact that it would be a wonderful tournament
to have here every year, or even every other year."  The ASF will offer a
preliminary bid in January.
 
According to Croce, other expected bidders are Lake Placid, the Providence
Civic Center, the new Gahden, (the Shawmut Center I believe) and the Worcester
Centrum.  I would think the last two entries would be disadvantaged since they
are in the heart of Hockey East territory.
 
I wonder if Albany would still want the tournament if RPI migrates over to
Hockey East...
 
Also, from Croce's column:
 
There have been 3,500 two-day passes sold for the NCAA East Regional.  And of
course Hockey-L will be there!  Look for us in Section 122 Rows H and J.
Croce speculates that (obviously) if RPI and Maine make the playoffs the
tournament could be the hottest ticket in the Knick's history.  Most observors
agree that Maine's untimely bomb-out in Providence in 1992 cost the Knick
anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 additional fans at the Knick's Big Show.
 
To everyone on the list, have a very Merry Xmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year
etc.  And may your slapshot always find the five hole.
                    _
            "NYS   // Hockey"
        Go 'Gate  //   Brian Morris
          Go RPI //      Albany, NY
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