The question of few WCHA-ECAC games has been raised. Here are my opinions based on my experience at Wisconsin. Basically the ECAC teams don't provide the sort of things that Wisc. looks for in a nonconference opponent ignoring possible tournament (Badger Showdown in Milwaukee) matchups. 1. Not enough nonconference games. Wisc. plays 32 conference games and has two games in a tourney they host. Why don't Wisc. and the other WCHA schools opt for fewer WCHA games and more nonconf. games? See below. 2. No local tie-in. The ECAC schools are too far away. Back when the 38 game schedule existed, Wisconsin's opponents were usually from the midwest. Teams like Ill-Chicago(tons of UW alumni in Chicago) and St. Cloud(pre-WCHA days) filled the schedule. 3. We want patsies. Not a very noble motive but suppose you are the coach. Wouldn't you like a few "almost sure wins". It gives the coach a chance to experiment with young players(esp. goalies) in a low pressure situation. The season ticket holders still have to pay for these games whether they show up or not. The patsies are willing to play at Wisc. and Wisc doesn't have to give them a return series. (No I'm not going to name any patsies publically. Hope I haven't offended anyone but I think my bluntness speaks the truth.) 4. The fans could care less about Eastern teams. Sad but true. Back when the WCHA and He had interlocking schedules the attendance was poor when the HE teams visited Wisc. It did not matter whether BC or BU were a top eastern team. The average fan doesn't get much info about non-WCHA college teams. All they care about the traditional rivals(Minn & N Dakota) and winning the WCHA. Given the above, I don't expect to see the WCHA turn away from a 32 game schedule. Personally I'd love to see more nonconference games with top teams. However, I feel there is so much pressure on the conference games and, as in all leagues, there are few gimmes in league play. Any nonconference opponents that Wisc adds will be with weaker teams. ---mg [log in to unmask]