In reading some HOCKEY-L articles on the siting of regional playoffs, it seemed to me - correct me if am am wrong - that the NCAA doesn't mind siting these games at host schools in the WCHA/CCHA but apparently will not do so in HE/ECAC. In the east, it's almost as though an NCAA search committee was charged with looking for a site (1) in a dumpy location, and (2) far away from most if not all of the schools in the region. Hence the choices of Worcester and Albany, alternating year by year. This is done, it seems, under the guise of not giving any of the east teams a true home ice advantage. In the west it appears not to be a concern. In other words the NCAA will turn a blind eye to the siting in the west because the school facilities are large enough to host this event, and then when it comes to the east they suddenly start posturing, have a "conscience" attack and end up making some truly abominable selections. Is this solely due to the size of the schools involved in the west? I have never attended the west regionals or the finals, but I have made the east regionals 4 of the last 5 years. My thoughts to remedy the situation, in the east anyway, is to award the east regionals on a five year basis to the Fleet Center in Boston. World class city, brand new facility, easy access for western fans via Logan airport, loads of accomodations, close to many of the schools in HE/ECAC and plenty for the fans to do before and after the games. There is absolutely no way that Worcester and especially Albany can even hold a candle to Boston. HE-L-L-O-O-OO, NCAA, ARE YOU LISTENING? As for any NY fans that may feel deprived, come to Boston and judge it for yourselves as a host city. Would you still think Albany can compete? Boston has been described as a hotbed of hockey. Has anyone ever described Albany or even Worcester that way? (I know. Albany has the AHL River Rats and Worcester has the Ice Cats. Ho-hum.) Lest any of you think I am just taking a cheap shot, I am not alone in my opinion: An RPI alumnus friend of mine once described Albany as the a**hole of the universe, with Troy ..... well, I won't say how many miles up. If an alumnus describes it this way, who am I to say otherwise? The terminally sensitive need not reply. Craig Knowles UNH '71 GO BLUE! HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.