Validity in the Polls has long been a huge debate in the realm of college sports. Personally I feel that the polls are interested to look at, but really shouldn't be used as a leading source for analysis. While it is always interesting to see the difference between the media polls and the coaches' polls (as they are significantly different right now), is there a right or wrong party? Does it matter? My question is: Of the coaches out there in Div 1 hockey, who puts stock in the polls? For years Jack Parker has claimed he cares nothing about the polls, except at the end of the year when the polls are a source of seeding the tournmament. If so, wouldn't the week-to-week standing be important also? For example, let's look at BU's single loss this season. Parker might look at the game as a loss against a strong Hockey East Opponent (New Hampshire), in overtime, at the grand opening of a spanking-new spectacular hockey arena with an absolutely emotion-filled crazy crowd. Add to this that Parker knows, just like Lou Holtz (football) has always known, that we're you're Number 1 and/or a defending champion, EVERYBODY is gunning for you, EVERY night. I've also heard Parker say over the years that a few losses throughout the season are good for "the character of the team... it puts the season in better perspective." Okay. This all sounds good to me. But what does the rest of the country see when the look at that game, especially now that more weeks have passed? New Hampshire then was either ranked or "also receiving votes;" toady they're at 5-7-2 (2-4-2 league). Does the rest of the country see that it was a great game, and a hard-fought overtime? Or does it feel (like me) that New Hampshire was a team that BU just shouldn't have lost to, regardless of the circumstances? After all, what happens during the playoffs, when there's even more pressure? How do other coaches around college hockey feel? Are people of the mind that you must CRUSH every single opponent by as many goals possible to prove dominance and help your standing in the polls (like in football)? Or do coaches simply concentrate on the key games of the season? Oh, the curiosity. greenie S P O O N ! ! (go bu) ps: Not to sound like I'm flaming... but does Colorado College really deserve the #1 spot? I'm a BU grad who's now living out here in Colorado. I've gone to see two CC games in person, and a couple of others on TV (as well as Denver games in person and on tube). I've also seen BU play in person and on TV. Both teams look quite impressive, and have some DAMN fine players. Could I really give an edge to one team over the other based on 12-14 game performance? No. I'm sure I'm heavily biased, but it seems that with the pressure of being number 1 and a defending champion, BU gets a slight nod in the tough-schedule department (although I think that on the whole both HE and WCHA are somewhat weak this year). On the other hand, CC *is* undefeated. Not having a loss is fairly important, IMHO. But are three ties better than a tie and a loss? HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.