"PUCK" AWARDS!

Whew, finals are done, but thank goodness hockey isn't.  A lot has happened since
my last article in the ECAC.  Here are my latest crop of awards:

THE "THANK YOU SIR, MAY I HAVE ANOTHER AWARD?" AWARD: North Country 18, Capital Region 0.
Friday, November 22 proved to be a painful one for RPI and Union as they were both
shut out by SLU and Clarkson.  I wouldn't want to be an RPI player in the locker room
after an 11-0 loss, would you?

THE UNDERBULLDOG AWARD: Yale is really starting to kick some ice chips around this year.
With a 2-1 OT victory over Cornell, an 8-2-0 record, ranked 9th in the country, tied for
first in the ECAC. second place in the Ivies.  This is a huge improvement for the Elis 
over last year's 10th place ECAC finish.  Although the championship is won in March and
not December, I'm looking for a run for my money from the Bulldogs comes next semester.  

THE ATLANTA BRAVES HEX AWARD(yes, I know they're a baseball team, I'm not one of these
vacuous, ditzy women who doesn't know a hockey puck from pine tar...): Cornell  
a) They have not won in Achilles Rink for 6 years now . b) The number of injuries 
this year, particularly separated shoulders, is horrendous.  Especially when there is 
one remaining veteran defenseman.  Vinnie Auger, who was looking fabulous at the beginning
of this season, is retiring over his back injury.  Guess the rookies are going to 
(be forced to) mature very rapidly.     

I promise over break I will comment on the whole new Final Five playoff structure, as
well as the debate over league membership and I will be keeping close watch (or rather 
ear- thank God for RealAudio) of all the tourneys.  Happy Holidays, y'all! 

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