Okay, so I understand that Maine will be participating in the HEA playoffs this year. So I've got a question: So what happens to the automatic tournament bid if Maine wins? Will the runner-up be awarded the bid? Just think... If the runner up (to Maine) is awarded the bid, it might make for a very interesting championship game. In effect, it might make the semifinals the biggest games of the playoffs. Just imagine (just for the sake of example, I'm not trying to flame): Maine vs. Providence and BU vs. UMass. If Maine wins in the first game, all UMass has gotta do for a tournament bid is to beat BU (or whoever their opponent is). Sure it's a tough task, but UMass (or whoever) would be able to pull out all the stops simply to make the final against Maine. This could definitely make for an interesting set of semifinals; I think for the first time in college hockey history teams might actually hope to play Maine in the final game. just a question, late at night... HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.