As a former ACHA player, I check in somewhere between Ms. Rodriguez
and Mr. Haeussler.  When two ACHA rivals get together, I really don't
think one could tell whether they were watching an NCAA game or an ACHA
game.  I remember our games against arch-rival Iowa State being heated,
bitter battles filled with lots of emotion, highlight-film goals, great
goaltending :), and noisy sold-out crowds!  How many Illinois-Chicago Flames
(NCAA Division I) games, for instance, can you say this about?
     Furthermore, my comparison between the quality of ACHA teams and
NCAA Division III teams is right on target: check this year's records to
see how many ACHA teams have knocked off NCAA D-III opponents.  However,
in most cases I agree ACHA teams wouldn't be able to beat NCAA Division I
teams.  There are exceptions, though.  Last year Penn State lost -
just 5-4 in overtime - to the No. 1 nationally-ranked NCAA Division II
team.  This year, I believe, Penn State beat them.  But I also think ACHA
teams could give many NCAA teams quite a scare.
 
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