there is a gap between DIII and DI but it is not a big as some people think it is.
I would consider the gap to still be fairly large. Even a top-tier D-3 team such as my beloved 19/20 UC squad would struggle to make a splash even in a weak D-1 conference such as the Atlantic.
Just my opinion, or maybe not... All of the emperical evidence bears that out as well.
I would consider the gap to still be fairly large. Even a top-tier D-3 team such as my beloved 19/20 UC squad would struggle to make a splash even in a weak D-1 conference such as the Atlantic.
Just my opinion, or maybe not... All of the emperical evidence bears that out as well.
So when Adrian beat Princeton, St. Norbert tied Wisconsin, Norwich battled Dartmouth to two close games, including outshooting them in one, those aren’t evidence to contradict your opinion?
The best of D-3 going 1-2-1 vs. the dregs of D-1 in what amounted to meaningless scrimmages..?
Dream on. There just isn't a reasonable comparison to be drawn there.
I thought the “dregs of Division I” was Atlantic Hockey in your eyes. None of those schools listed play in that league.
Also, no one is claiming top D3 can consistently beat Division 1 teams. Your “it’s not even close” mindset is off base and there is evidence to contradict it that you just refuse to hear.
The top d3 teams could compete and do decent in Atlantic Hockey every year. Nearly every player on a Norwich, St. Norbert, Stevens Point, Oswego etc. drew Division I interest at some point or in some cases played at D-I before transferring. If all those schools are looking at the same players, wouldn’t those games inherently be competitive most nights?
As I said the gap between DIII and DI is not as big as some would think. 1-2-1 vs mid tier DI schools is a good result. Now Top DIII schools vs UND, BC or Min Dul would be ugly. But Arizona St or Bemidji a close game would happen.
I'm with you...It's Fish's claim that the top D3 teams couldn't compete with mid-tier to bottom of the pack D1 teams that is crazy to me. I'm not saying Norwich, St. Norbert, Oswego, etc. would win every game vs. the bottom 5-10 teams...but to think they couldn't compete with them consistently on nightly basis is nuts to me given the little crossover evidence we have and the fact that a lot of these schools are recruiting against each other for the same kids.
Adrian picks up two more games against a Division I team. Lake Superior State will play a home and home with the Bulldogs on Friday and Sunday after LSSU had its series with Ferris State canceled due to positive tests in FSU’s program.
I thought the “dregs of Division I” was Atlantic Hockey in your eyes. None of those schools listed play in that league.
Also, no one is claiming top D3 can consistently beat Division 1 teams. Your “it’s not even close” mindset is off base and there is evidence to contradict it that you just refuse to hear.
The top d3 teams could compete and do decent in Atlantic Hockey every year. Nearly every player on a Norwich, St. Norbert, Stevens Point, Oswego etc. drew Division I interest at some point or in some cases played at D-I before transfering. If all those schools are looking at the same players, wouldn’t those games inherently be competitive most nights?
And I only give my opinion with no evidence.
Look, I'm a D-3 fan and have been for 20+ years... But to claim that the two divisions are on anything resembling equal footing in terms of talent is clearly absurd. The AHA is D-1 Lite, and would rarely, if ever, garner an AL bid. It's quite possible that a 20/21 Norwich or Utica could be competitive (as in, mid-pack) in that environment, but neither would have any more of a shot at a PW bid than did every other team in the that conference.
Sacred Heart was the top team in the AHA this past year, and finished PW #23. That's a typical outcome. Without the AQ, the AHA is the teats on a bull in D-1.
Look, I'm a D-3 fan and have been for 20+ years... But to claim that the two divisions are on anything resembling equal footing in terms of talent is clearly absurd. The AHA is D-1 Lite, and would rarely, if ever, garner an AL bid. It's quite possible that a 20/21 Norwich or Utica could be competitive (as in, mid-pack) in that environment, but neither would have any more of a shot at a PW bid than did every other team in the that conference.
Sacred Heart was the top team in the AHA this past year, and finished PW #23. That's a typical outcome. Without the AQ, the AHA is the teats on a bull in D-1.
Now we’re starting to get a little bit closer to finding a middle ground in our discussion.
The last thing I’ll add is the Atlantic Hockey representative in the NCAA Tournament has won a first round game in four out of the last 5 years.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving all! Hopefully everyone will be able to make the most of these trying times with family and friends whether it be in person or virtually.
