Re: What is it going to take to see more new / different teams in the NCAA tournament
I have a thought, but not sure it's right. It's based on FiveHoleFrenzy's post.
This is for ECAC and Hockey East, because I can only speak for those conferences from experience. This may work in WCHA and CHA, but those more familiar with player thinking out there will know better.
From the players I know, it seems like the formula for picking a school is: Academic Rank + Facilities Rank + Coaching Rank + Campus/Location Rank* = Desirability Score. *Campus/Location rank is a combined measure of a) desirable location and b) campus life.
So if we ranked each school 1 to 5 in each of the four areas, with 5 being best, and added them together, the sum is the Desirability Score and hence, the schools that get the best players.
This doesn't really work for Ivies, because there are two other factors - no scholarships and grades/scores. I'll address them separately.
Here's how I think it plays out here in the east:
-An example of a high desirability score: Boston College - great facilities, excellent academics, great and beautiful location, and proven coaching.
-An example of a mid-level desirability score: St Lawrence - it's all good, but their campus/location rank (location, size of school) probably adds a level of difficulty.
-Examples of lower-level scores: I think of Colgate, for example - what a great school academically and a beautiful place, but it seems that two or more other factors drag them down. I don't mean that Colgate isn't going to have an upward trajectory over the next few years, but that's the perception now, which affects recruiting (but I'd send my kid there in a minute).
The Ivies:
-High Desirability: I really think Harvard is the most desired landing spot for girls that have the grades and skills. Harvard ranks high in all 4 areas.
-Mid Desirability: Every Ivy is desirable, but in terms of hockey desirability, it's tough to beat Harvard. Anyone not named Harvard has a steep hill to the National Championship game because Harvard picks first, and everyone else fights over the rest of the eligible players.
-Low Desirability: I don't want to isolate Brown, but that school does not support it's hockey at the same level as it's peers, and it shows in this formula. The Brown players are great by the way - I know many of them and it's all good. Just an obvious problem that exists now. It can all change for the good overnight.
Sorry if I offended anyone. Just sharing a thought. I think if this is true, the winning formula out east is:
1. Build a great rink.
2. Have a nice campus, good campus life, and lucky you if you are in a desirable location.
3. Have high standards for academics.
4. Hire good coaching.
In whatever order you'd like...
