A couple of things come to mind as I read over this discussion. BTW, I've only experienced Bob Norton's work during the tourney games I've watched over the past two years. IMO, the color person serves to either a) offer expert insight into the contest gained from personal experience as a player, coach, other participant; b) offer expert insight from longstanding affiliation with the team(s) in question; or c) both. It's fairly obvious from where I sit that Norton is well qualified under b), if not a) (I don't know if he played or coached). As a goaltender, I was particularly impressed with his knowledge of technique, although his use of the old digital magic marker left a little to be desired... He tended to rattle on at length, and the hometown of EVERY player was a bit much (unless you're a parent). But all in all it was a little like listening to your grandpa tell those Sunday afternoon stories. I thought his unbridled enthusiam more than made up for the occasional gaff or run-on. Tom Mees is okay as a play-by-play guy, though not as good a choice as say, Gary Thorne. (Maybe he didn't want to do it since Maine wasn't there :) Again, Mees talks more than he should (it isn't radio - we can see what's going on) but isn't a bad guy. I still think the Thorne/Clement NHL crew offers fans a look at how well the broadcast team could work together. A great mix of journalistic play-by-play, expert insight into the game and great chemistry between the announcers. I think the only way ESPN could improve their coverage for the tourney would be for them to invite the color persons from the schools' regular radio/TV coverage crew. Then, we could listen to folks who followed CC and UM the whole year, rather than bringing in a regional personality who only follows the other schools at arm's length. Of course, if you REALLY don't like the Mees/Norton team, turn down the sound and try calling the game yourself. Believe me, it's a challenging experience to say the least. Cheers, ----- Mark J. Sonnier, C.P.M. Purchasing Agent / Hockey Enthusiast Employer: UAA / Alma Mater: UAF (imagine the conflict of interest potential) HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.