Lets talk 2006

[cgalax]

I'll agree with your assessment of the B Division. If CCSU could pull themselves together as a team a little they could be much better. When we played them at home we were short-handed, but they had some talented players just very disorganized as a team.
CGA is losing almost nothing and had 4 freshman this year that by school policy couldn't play who all would have started or seen significant playing time. Kircher has one more year left, and if they can hold togehter as a a team a little better and not be missing kids all the time like in some of our losses the should be twice as good as last year. Defense is all freshman and only losing two middies.
New Haven didn't have much and Framingham State will get better as long as they don't lose much, they are tough and they are well coached, just need a little more talent.

[GoldFish7]

In terms of strength of schedule in the A division we are going to see a big jump for the top 3 teams, (NU UNH BC). Based on the final USLIA poll right way we all are going to play at least 2 games against top 20 teams (the other 2 of the big 3) plus whoever you schedule on a spring trip. In addition with 3 top 20 team in such close proximity I have to think the area becomes appealing to other top 25 teams to come travel to because they can get several good games against quality opponents. I don’t believe there are 2 let alone 3 top 20 teams so close geographically anywhere else in the country. All of which will improve the strength of schedule and realistically could result in the 2 teams going to nationals in 2006.

[Tim Gray]

In terms of strength of schedule in the A division we are going to see a big jump for the top 3 teams, (NU UNH BC). Based on the final USLIA poll right way we all are going to play at least 2 games against top 20 teams (the other 2 of the big 3) plus whoever you schedule on a spring trip. In addition with 3 top 20 team in such close proximity I have to think the area becomes appealing to other top 25 teams to come travel to because they can get several good games against quality opponents. I don’t believe there are 2 let alone 3 top 20 teams so close geographically anywhere else in the country. All of which will improve the strength of schedule and realistically could result in the 2 teams going to nationals in 2006.

Couldn't agree more. This is a very exciting time for our conference. I can't remember a time what we had 3 teams in the Top 25 let alone Top 20. This will definitely be a selling point in trying to get competitive teams to travel to the northeast as the BC and NU are about 5 miles from each other and UNH is only about 1 1/2 hours north. I really cannot think of another area where 3 such teams are so close to each other. Thro in the fact that BU, Stonehill, Bridgewater, URI, UCONN and WPI are also with in 2 hours of Boston(most a lot closer than that) and teams could get in quite a few games with very minimal travel.

[cgalax]

Are we going to consider splitting the A and B Division Playoffs next year and have different sites. I know it was the first year of the B Division, but if there are going to be more teams are we going to let more B Division teams in the playoffs. Especially if we let in some of the teams that are farther away, having them come down on Thursday and then back on Sunday isn't feasible. I don't think that one place can handle to playoffs of 6 with Friday, Saturday and Sunday games.

[Dan Wishengrad]

I don't claim to know much about the PCLL other than what I read, but I watched URI play three games in Seattle last season with a roster almost entirely comprised of Freshmen. The Rams can't have lost very much, and it seems their entire starting lineup and both goalies will be back with some experience under their belts. Coach Duggan knows his Xs and Os and will have them prepared. Watch out for Rhode Island in 2006 and 2007!

[Gregg Pathiakis]

Are we going to consider splitting the A and B Division Playoffs next year and have different sites. I know it was the first year of the B Division, but if there are going to be more teams are we going to let more B Division teams in the playoffs. Especially if we let in some of the teams that are farther away, having them come down on Thursday and then back on Sunday isn't feasible. I don't think that one place can handle to playoffs of 6 with Friday, Saturday and Sunday games.

I fully expect all the conference playoffs to take place at one site this year (unlike last year where the Div. B semi's were in CT and the finals were at WPI). Logistically and financially it is out of our means to hold two different venues. I also don't expect the size of the Div. B playoffs to expand. At most, I am guessing we will add around 2 or 3 Div. B teams so it's not worth increasing the field from 4.