Cornell

With the return of 20 lettermen, including the top scorers and a dependable goalie, the Big Red is a good bet to improve on what was a characteristically strong performance last season when it posted a 18-10-2 record.

Tri-Captain Duanne Moeser (28-19-47), Cornell's leading scorer for the past two seasons, will again be one of the league's most dangerous scorers, as will Joe Nieuwendyk (21-24-45), the ECAC Rookie of the Year. Tri-captain Peter Natyshak, Pete Marcov and Mark Major round out what is one of the league's most prolific scoring units.

Last year, freshman goalie Doug Dadswell jumped in as a starter. He responded admirably, posting a 3.57 goals-against average with a .889 save percentage in 20 league games. This season, when the ECAC is crowded with outstanding backstops, Dadswell will be one of the league's finest.

The Big Red's solid defense will be anchored by sophomore Chris Norton, chosen by the Winnipeg Jets in the most recent draft, and Tri-Captain Mike Schafer, a four-year starter who will be the team's cruncher at the blue line.

After going 12-1 on its home ice last year, Cornell looks to improve on its record away from friendly Lynah Rink. With a feisty offense and the tight D, look for the Big Red to make a run for the ECAC crown.

Clarkson

The Golden Knights lost nine players to graduation, including an All-American defenseman, the leading scorer, and several other top players.

But the Knights still have Jamie Falle. The outstanding senior goaltender kept Clarkson in contention throughout the year, making brilliant saves, one after another, in numerous contests--including an electrifying 2-1 ECAC playoff loss against Harvard.

The offense is highlighted by center Charlie Meitner (18-23-41), sophomore Luciano Bersato (15-17-32) and Al Hill (15-14-29), while the defense is led by Andy Otto and Mike Harvey.

If Falle maintains his 2.91 goals-against average, second only to Blair's in the ECAC, and the offense can score some clutch goals, then expect Clarkson to battle atop the upper echelon of ECAC hockey.

This may be the year the Saints come skating in. If some of St. Lawrence's question marks can be answered with resounding exclamation points, then the Saints will make a charge for the ECAC title.

Goalie Scott Yearwood presents the first major query. Plagued by mononucleosis last season, Yearwood still managed to post a 2.98 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage, the league's best--and mighty fine numbers for a freshman. SLU will pose a tough test for any team if Yearwood is healthy.

The offense, which lost three top players, is, well, questionable. If Mike McShane and the Lappin and Gerrie Brothers can provide consistent goal-scoring punch, then the Saints will look to Yearwood to do the rest.

St. Lawrence was the only ECAC team to derail the RPI express last year. Expect similar carnage--and more--from the 1985 Saints.