Regarding the question of doormats...between 1988 and 1994, every team in HE made at least one trip to the NC$$ tourney. Merrimack made its trip as an Independent in 1988, however, and is probably the only team that could be considered close to a doormat thus far. On the other hand, with only 5 HE seasons under their belt, it certainly seems as if the jury is still out on Merrimack's "doormat" status; recent years have seen marked and consistent improvement. For example, last year's team would have finished 14-21-2 overall not counting the 2 forfeits from Maine, yet 12 of the 23 games they did not win were decided by 2 goals or fewer. Also note that of the other 7 HE teams, each one made at least *two* trips to the NC$$s over that 7 year span. BTW, "8889conf stand" is now in the archives too. --- --- Mike Machnik [log in to unmask] Cabletron Systems, Inc. *HMM* 11/13/93 <<<<< Color Voice of the Merrimack Warriors (station TBA for 94-95) >>>>>