Go ahead and call me a newbie but I like this topic

[davinchi]

The best leagues...carry over from last year and into this one:
1.ECAC W
2.SUNYAC
3.NCHA
4.MIAC
5.NESCAC
6.ECAC E
7.MASCAC
8.ECAC NE
9.MCHA

The big difference that can be seen is a closing of the gap between top and bottom leagues and top and bottom teams within each league. Adrian, Lake Forest, MSOE can compete anywhere. Same for Curry and Nichols in the NE. From the MASCAC you have UMD, Salem and Westfield that can play anywhere. I don't know if this was the situation 5 yeards ago. My prediction (however lame) for the frozen four are Adrian, Stout, Manhattanville, and Oswego.

some programs to keep an eye on due to new leadership:Elmira, Potsdam, Western New England, Westfield, Framingham

some rebound teams: Fredonia, UWSP
sleepers: Nichols, Hamline, Morrisville, New England College, UMB, CAstleton,B-port
teams you can never count out:Midd, Norwhich, UWRF, ST. Thomas, St. Norbert
bottom dwellers: salve regina, lebanon valley, concordia, Northland

National Champ: Valiants or Adrian(!)

 

[powerofyellowandblack]

Re: Go ahead and call me a newbie but I like this topic

teams you can never count out: UWRF

You ARE new, or this would never have come out of your mouth. Once the calendar turns to January, UWRF just forgets how to play hockey. They are like the New York Mets of the NCHA.

 

[jacketfan_2002]

Re: Go ahead and call me a newbie but I like this topic

 

[Jacket_Maverick]

Re: Go ahead and call me a newbie but I like this topic

Newbie!!!!

 

[Josh Carey]

Re: Go ahead and call me a newbie but I like this topic

4.MIAC
5.NESCAC
6.ECAC E

This was a very poor decision. Despite the MIAC Champion playing in the national title game, you will be called all sorts of hideous names for this sequence of rankings. It will be brought up in threads you don't post in, you will be told that you hate certain teams from the latter conferences, and that you are biased again eastern leagues. It will essentially come as one huge joke... until you are proven absolutely correct late in the year.

The irony being that I think the NESCAC might actually be as strong or stronger than the MIAC this year. I haven't had time to read Scott's preview yet, but my quick glance at the league suggests Hamline, UST, Olaf, and Bethel could have trouble on the horizon. They could also not, but I think the MIAC might very well be less competitive for the top spot this year and reflect a distribution of teams/records much closer to the eastern interlock.