Re: NCAA Change the Tourney
As a Miami fan (and student) it did stink not being able to make the 16 hour drive to Manchester. I don't think the "home ice" for UNH had that great of an effect on the players; UNH just executed better and took the RedHawks out of their game.
IMO however, the NCAA should use the same 4 sites as regional locations every year. Some may argue that it would get boring to go to the same place every year, but I think that consistency is a good way to promote college hockey. Let's say one of the regionals was in Chicago: It's a destination that schools like Notre Dame, Western Michigan, Miami, and many others, would strive for every year. The more that fans are familiarized with the location, the more likely they are to travel. I think this would inevitably boost attendance and overall recognition of the sport. Of course, the locations are up for debate, as the NCAA would want to make the regions in close proximity to as many schools as possible.
As a Miami fan (and student) it did stink not being able to make the 16 hour drive to Manchester. I don't think the "home ice" for UNH had that great of an effect on the players; UNH just executed better and took the RedHawks out of their game.
IMO however, the NCAA should use the same 4 sites as regional locations every year. Some may argue that it would get boring to go to the same place every year, but I think that consistency is a good way to promote college hockey. Let's say one of the regionals was in Chicago: It's a destination that schools like Notre Dame, Western Michigan, Miami, and many others, would strive for every year. The more that fans are familiarized with the location, the more likely they are to travel. I think this would inevitably boost attendance and overall recognition of the sport. Of course, the locations are up for debate, as the NCAA would want to make the regions in close proximity to as many schools as possible.
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