Mike Farrell says he can say "in confidence" that University of Minnesota star Crowley is better than Mike Grier, Chris O'Sullivan, and Jeff Libby (as in "even Jeff Libby of Maine signed a contract . . ."). If I were him, I would certainly be more likely to make that statement "in confidence" rather than "with confidence." Grier and O'Sullivan have both demonstrated their ability to compete in the NHL, and Jeff Libby improved greatly in each of the three seasons he played at Maine. In particular, towards the end of last season, Libby was often the best player on the ice while playing for a team that went 15-2 from January through March. If Maine had been eligible for the NCAA playoffs, Mr. Farrell might have had more opportunities to compare the abilities of defensemen Farrell and Libby (who is 6'3" 220). HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.