The NCAA and the coaches got rid of the travel in 1992 because of what an
underdog may have to face.
Let's say #8 wins the first round 2 - 0. They now have to travel the
following week to #1 which may be on the other side of the USA (expense $$$)
or in a remote location. They then pull the upset and win 2 - 1. They fly
home late Sunday or early Monday and leave for the Frozen Four site on
Tuesday. No rest, no school, no competition in the semifinal (case study is
Clarkson in 1991). UAA died in Round #2 after beating BC @ BC the same
year.
Nope, I'm all in favor of 4 neutral sites near campuses. You'll get the
fans and have equally tired teams for all rounds, including the Frozen Four,
plus the NCAA saves money.
Joe
__________________________________________
NetZero - Defenders of the Free World
Get your FREE Internet Access and Email at
http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html
HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.