Steve W. asks about the real reason for the ECAC Tournament relocating out of the Garden. As I remember, it was more an issue of a separate identidy for the ECAC. By the time that the ECAC tired of Boston, Hockey East was steadily eclipsing the ECAC in fan support in the Eastern New England area, particularly Boston. It was always that way. I can recall back around 1984, 84, 86 or thereabouts, that the ECAC tournament was the big dog in the Garden, in fact the attendance for the HE confab was a virtual wipe-out. Things started changing in the late '80's, maybe in part to the woeful marketing machinery the ECAC was exhibiting, which IMHO remains today. As a result the ECAC came up with adopting Lake Placid as its spiritual home, and attempted to build a base of fan support separate and distinct from the HE's. As others have posted, it is probably obvious my opinion of the Lake Placid experience--it's cozy, intimate, non-stressful, and a big mistake. Putting your showcase away from the media centers, and the general hockey population is an idea on the marketing mavens of the ECAC could come up with................................................................................... Last time the league considered changing venues, to Albany's Knick of course, Ned Harkness put together a plate of sweeteners the ECAC guys couldn't resist. So look where Ned is now! But I'm guessing the ECAC's will stay in Lake Placid simply for the fact that there is no where else to go now. Albany would probably take t them, but there won't be an aggressive bid like last year. There are a lot more events to fill the seats in March in Albany, and the Knick folks like playing ball with the NC$$ for both hockey and basketball. But maybe the ECAC could at least locate a network who will oadcast their ga games, other than a cable outfit which only those living in Buffalo can receive. No wonder everyone views the league as hockey's poor step sister. **************************************************************** Brian Morris Nothing to Lose. Go RPI! [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask]