I'm forwarding these responses to the list in the hope that
    people seeing them may be inclined to add their own thoughts
    on the subject.  Please either send to the list or copy me
    on your response.  Thanks......mike_m
 
    Responses will be relayed to the Hockey East league office.
 
==========================================================================
 
     Subject:  Re: NCAA clears way for 50-minute game in Hockey East
        From:  [log in to unmask] (Wayne Smith)
          To:  mike_m
        Date:  Tuesday, May 22, 1990   12:48:20 am (EDT)
 
>
>    So, I'm asking you to reply to the following questions:
>
>    1) Do you think the change by Hockey East from three 20-minute
>         periods to two 25-minute periods is a good one?  Why
>         or why not?
 
   It's a lousy change.  HE stands to lose credibility by the
   change.  It may cause more parity, but will cut the ice time
   for many.  Many teams will probably go with a couple of lines
   and a bunch of guys that skate warm-ups.
 
   One of the arguments for the change was a better chance for TV
   coverage.  National coverage doesn't have a chance;  even NHL
   doesn't do well nationally: college hockey doesn't stand a chance.
 
>
>    2) Do you think your perception of Hockey East or the teams
>         in the league will change?  If yes, for better or for
>         worse?  Why?
 
   HE parity with other leagues will disappear rapidly, assuming
   other leagues stick with 3*20 and the playoffs remain in that
   format.  (Let the ECAC try this thing if its so good).
 
>
>    3) Should HE teams receive less consideration for an NCAA
>         berth than non-HE teams, given all other things to
>         be equal, because their league games are shorter?
 
   If NCAA tournaments remain 3*20, how can inexperienced HE teams
   be expected to do well?  Given two potential opponents of equal
   strength, which would rather play a 3*20 game, one that has
   played 30+ 3*20 games or one that has played 30+ 2*25 games?
 
>
 
   Oh yea, only one intermission means more commercials during the
   game. Groan ...