Sorry I really can't help jumping in right about now! Here's a brief UVM scouting report for those that care. >> Vermont still lacks depth, but they don't need it unless they get hurt with >> Perrin, St. Louis, Thomas, and don't forget Ruid. > >The lack of depth didn't hurt last year -- the rest of the team plays smart -- >the defense is sound stay-at-home, for the most part, and when you talk about >the big 3 they aren't just good players -- they are three best players in the >league, and maybe the country. My high regard for the trio of All-Americans is >no secret. They're all awesome and nice guys as well. I think the Cats may have quite a bit more depth this year (although only time will tell). For one thing, a lot of the other forwards (besides the first line) are a year older (and hopefully better) now. One of the new recruits, a kid out of NMH, Matt Sanders was one of the top 2 or 3 high school players in all of NE last year in terms of skating and stick-handling ability. And the guy can shoot, too, I've seen him. He looks to be making a concerted bid for the second line as he's on third now. The entire frosh crop looks really good, despite an eligibility snag with one of them. (Gotta love the NCAA Clearinghouse!) There's actually another native Vermonter on the team again, a real smart defenceman named Brad Hamel. And then there is Jason Reid, who has only ever played 5 career games at UVM because of various injuries. This kid is one of the hottest defencemen UVM has ever seen. A few years ago he was rated 86th in the country while Ruid was 220-something and Perrin was 246 or so. Reid is good, and, barring injury, he'll make it that much harder to get past Thomas. But honestly, after only a week of practice these guys are consistently giving 110% *in practice* let alone in games. They really want it, and with the loss of Perrin, St. Louis, Ruid, Thomas, and other unsung heros (ie Stelljes, Sorg, Hallman, etc, etc, etc) for the 1997-98 season,the guys know it's now or never. This is the best team UVM has ever had, and they all realize it. Not to scare any of you Michigan fans....Jason Botterill went to my high school. :) Eleanor GO UVM HOCKEY CATS! ---------------_ Eleanor Rodgers \______ __ \ St. Paul's '96 \_____ / \ | Berkeley '00 \____ /\ \__/ / \_____/ \______/ 10-88-19 forever! Box 201 South Street New Haven Vermont 05472 (802) 453-2183 HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.