>I like large freshman classes ... but not just every four years or so. I think >they're wise every year or two. First, I must add here that when I see a >freshman class of 13, I don't see all of those players being part of the >squad in their senior year. In fact I see at best 6 of them actually skating >as seniors. If they don't contend for starting positions then they get cut. ... I see two issues here: 1) Is this the best way to develop a college team? 2) Is this method practical in the college game? I doubt that this is the best way to develop a college team in any case, but I think the second question is more relevant. This method is not at all a practical philosophy for college recruiting and team-building. With respect to scholarship players, the school must honor the scholarship for four years whether or not the player plays. I doubt that any schools granting hockey scholarships can afford to give up the scholarships to implement this idea. Even regarding non-scholarship players or programs, it seems to run counter to the idea of good faith to cut a more talented older player in favor of a younger player who might turn out to be more talented in a couple of years. I would think that it would limit the school's recruiting power if incoming players knew that they could only expect a two-year career unless they turn out to be a superstar, and it would be bad faith if they came in with the expectation of a four-year career only to be discarded after two years in favor of a less-talented younger player. This points out the real benefit of having a JV squad, in that younger players would have a place to play, and the team could afford to recruit extra players each year. I don't know how many schools have JV squads, though (Cornell dropped theirs a few years ago). Howie ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Howard Stein Go Big Red! Cornell '91 Kill, Schafer, Kill! [log in to unmask] "Hooligans with horns" alumni HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.