The Boston Globe's article on the Olympic selections is headlined "Team Massachusetts" - interesting to see the perspectives in various regions, although this time Minn & Mass are pretty balanced out with 6 & 7 members. Anyway, the Globe listed a few more Team USA exhibitions that I don't think have been mentioned here yet. Sat Oct 16 Team USA at Maine Garth Snow said he thought the NC$$ banner might be unfurled at this game. Wed Dec 1 Team Russia vs Team USA @ UMass Sat Dec 4 Team Russia vs Team USA @ Lake Placid There's also a game listed for Fri Oct 22, Team USA @ BC. I haven't heard whether this is still on, I'm assuming yes unless I hear otherwise. If I can make the game at UMass, it will be my first look at the new Mullins Center. Its surface is Olympic-sized. BTW, I think Team USA will end up playing almost the same number of college teams as it did in 1991 - the main difference this time around seems to be fewer pro (NHL/minors) teams in favor of games on international ice surfaces against international teams. I'm reserving judgment on whether I think this is a good thing. I thought one of the reasons they did well in 92 was they had so many tough games against teams that were better than they were. I do believe it is a better strategy than 1988, when the best team America ever put on skates (next to the 1991 Canada Cup team) warmed up by blowing 30 or so college teams out of the water and did not do well in Calgary, except for the third period of the USSR game (best period USA Hockey has ever played, IMO!). Upon reading the suggestions that this is the team Tim Taylor will stick with, except for a couple of last-minute additions, I have to say I do not think they will medal in Lillehammer. I don't think this team is as good as 92, especially at forward. We're hearing talk about speed, but I thought that team had speed too. Maybe I'll be more confident after seeing them...it's still early. Also, one factor that should work in their favor is that I don't think most of the other teams will be as strong as they were in 92 either because many of those players have gone to the NHL. But teams like Canada, Russia and Sweden should still be strong enough to keep the US out of a medal yet again. Just being realistic...while reserving the right to be hopeful. :-) --- Mike Machnik [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] Cabletron Systems, Inc. *HMN* 11/13/93 R.I.P. Reggie Lewis NU/Celtics #35