Re: 2009 Hackett Builders Hockey Tournament
He's pointing out the ridiculousness of Adrian's region designation (and likely the regional designations in general).
I like the split into regions. Obviously, it serves its purpose of saving on travel expenses
most of the time. Yes, there are a few (one?) exceptions.
But I think not playing many (or any) out-of-region teams ads another layer to the game. Going out and playing a team you haven't seen... a team you
opponents haven't seen... who plays a different style of hockey. The question then becomes not "are they prepared" but rather "How well did the coach prepare them? How much video did he get a hold of? Are they ready for this?"
Often, if you are playing a team that has already faced a previous opponent, you have seen video of the team you're about to play, and noted some tactics and playing styles, even if you were not focusing on that team at the time. Ex: Plattsburgh played Oswego on 11/7,and Oswego had already played 2 games against Elmira. Now, when Plattsburgh is preparing for their 1/9 game in Elmira, Emery might already have an idea of what to look for when watching the tapes,
because he's already seen them play. When playing an out-of-region team, this is very rarely the case. It's like the first game of the season all over again.
Now, that's why I personally like it, it is NOT why it exists. It exists to save on teams' travel expenses. When it comes to Adrian, and their opponents... I would agree that it has failed. But, to reiterate a point that has already been beaten to death, for them to be east region, they would have to be in an east-region conference. They are
obviously not SUNYAC or MASCAC eligible, and the ECAC conferences (West being the most logical) can't accept them without changing the bylaws
of the whole conference, DI, DII, and DIII. That leaves... NESCAC. But doesn't the NE stand for "New England"? Adrian didn't get placed east-region because they COULDN'T wihout going Independent permanently.