fargo (03/24/83)
Reply to Anil Pal's article: This year the selection committee had a very difficult selection for the West teams. Besides the WCHA and CCHA champs, I don't think anyone would argue with the choice of Minnesota. However, Duluth, Bowling Green and North Dakota had good arguments for being the fourth team. Personally, I would have eliminated Bowling Green right away because of the much poorer schedule they played in comparison to the WCHA teams. Duluth beat North Dakota 4 of 6 this year but finished 4th in the WCHA while\ North Dakota finished 2nd. Two of Duluth's victories over North Dakota came in the WCHA opening weekend. Also, Wisconsin is unbelievably hot right now. The North Dakota - Wisconsin playoff series may well have been the best hockey to be seen this year. Two teams of such caliber should both be in the NCAA Final Eight. Recall, the North Dakota - Wisconsin series was decided by one goal in 3 overtimes. Minnesota bombed Duluth and Wisconsin bombed Minnesota. North Dakota should have been in the Final Eight. To be frank, so should have Duluth. An automatic berth for the CCHA is amusing and unjust. Watch for some CCHA teams to seek entry in the WCHA. Ferris State vs. Notre Dame! No wonder Notre Dame dropped hockey. Notably, Chicago-Circle and Michigan Tech will probably be in the WCHA in a couple years. Bye the way, wasn't Michigan State the third or fourth seed from the West? St. Thomas, a division II school from St. Paul is talking of jumping to the WCHA. Ambitious coaches such as Terry Abrams (ST. Thomas) and Val Belmonte (Chicago-Circle) both know how to build their programs and playing the best competition on the country is the best way to recruit and get people in the building. PRO HOCKEY ___________ Conference Champ Predictions - Minnesota, Winnipeg, Boston, Philadelphia Stanley Cup - Minnesota vs. Boston Champs - Boston (It's hard to beat a team with powerful defense) ___________