Rick McAdoo writes: Bruce Crowder has joined the ranks of several other coaches in requesting that 3rd periods at BC be played in 2 10-minute halves, with the teams switching ends, to avoid perceived advantages (disadvantages?) with the non-symmetric benches at Kelley Rink. Do other teams/rinks/coaches go through this??? ======================================================== It seems to me that coaches don't use this ploy at Conte as much as they did a few years ago. I was watching the game on TV and Bob Norton told how Jack Parker was the master of this - apparently he used to always do it at UNH because he felt the lighting was better at one end. I seem to remember this 10-minute-half-a-period thing alot during the first few years that Conte was open. Has the novelty worn off? An ironic note: The broadcasters last night were saying that they asked Lowell coach Bruce Crowder before the game why he chose to use this option and he said he didn't know, he just felt like being different. And then with about 6 seconds left in the first ten minute period Lowell's Billy Riga (one of Lowell's top three 1-on-none players, IMO) picks up a loose puck at center ice and breaks out down the left wing ALL ALONE. Time runs out before he gets a shot off!!! I'm sure Crowder breathed a sigh of relief at that one, and my guess is he won't be switching in the third anymore! Welcome to Hockey-L, Rick!! We definitely could use some BC fans!! ************************************************************************** Steve Weisfeldt Univ. of Lowell 1986, 1988 Home of the 'Hawks!! [log in to unmask] 4-2-1 [1] (7-5-3) **************************************************************************