still if a team plays up --- either a DII or DI team and picks up points (i.e. RIT @ UNO) there ought to be a way to acknowledge/reward them for it. ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: D-II schools in the RPI Author: [log in to unmask] at Internet-USA Date: 2/25/99 10:18 AM <<Why are the schools like Mercyhurst not included in the small school RPI. Even though they are not DIII and eligible for the playoffs they still compete in a DIII league. It seems that teams like Elmira are being unfairly penalized for playing and beating these strong DII teams. I think the polls would look much different if these teams were included, after all these are traditional rivals who in the past have always been considered.>> The two main RPIs that are done for small schools (USCHO's and mine) used to include teams like Mercyhurst and Bemidji. We both elected not to this year since none of those schools are eligible for the D-II NCAAs. All the major D-II programs have declared for D-I. Only 5 true D-II schools remain, and only St. Anselm is in a major conference (the rest are in the ECAC Northeast). The USCHO poll used to include these teams as well, but they were dropped by request from the voters, who wanted a purely D-III poll. This was another reason for dropping them from the RPI. And, as you probably know, these rivalries are dead after this season. Bemidji is leaving the NCHA, and Mercyhurst is gone from the ECAC West. Mercyhurst and Elmira play for the last time in the regular season this Saturday. The Lakers are joining the MAAC next season. Chris Lerch US College Hockey Magazine US College Hockey Online -- www.uscollegehockey.com Color Voice of RIT Hockey on 89.7 WITR and http://www.modernmusicandmore.com/realaudio.html HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List. HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.