One thing I haven't noticed in reports from John Whelan's excellent tool ... The NCAA Selection Committee has, if I recall it correctly, said they may look at the strength of conferences when making their considerations. So if either Quinnipiac *or* Niagara get bumped, then how can they select the other? In my trials so far, the effects of this decision is much less important on the eastern teams than on the western (bubble) teams as far as selection goes. With Q & N in, I see 7 or 8 eastern teams, but with them both out, 6 eastern (and 6 western). The latter would make for elegant brackets, in many probable scenarios. The former would cause match-up problems or sending out west of some "better" teams. Should be interesting to see how this plays out! cheers, wayne Wayne T. Smith mailto:[log in to unmask] Systems Group - UNET University of Maine System Co-owner of the College Hockey mailing lists HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.