The rumors coming out of Erie (as of 4/12) seem to be as follows: The Mercyhurst administration has decided to drop the men's lacrosse team to D-II, allowing the hockey team to bump up to D-I. As Far as I know; the 'Hurst will play D-I/D-III next year much in the same fashion that Canisuis, Niagara, etc (St. Bonaventure did also) in the ECAC West for the 98-99 season and then in 99-00 become a memeber of the MAAC. Interesting...They passed up the opportunity to be a charter memeber but opted in for the second season. I know this is what Gotkin has always wanted...he passed up an assistants job in MIchigan some where about 5 or so years ago. The rink will lose the south wall (bleacher side) and gain some seating much as they same design as Niagara (or so I'm told). I know they have already purchased a second zamboni. I hope that the city of Erie supports the move. We've acquired an OHL team 2 (or maybe 3) years ago and I know the attendance varies, I would rather watch a D-I team any day but .... Just some more food for thought. Nathan Bennett St. Bona's '98 HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.