Coach Brian McCutcheon has no excuses this year. Last season, the Big Red made the ECAC semifinals, but youth proved to be its downfall. This season, Cornell has it all--especially a solid corps of young defensemen, led by All-Rookie selection Dan Ratushny.

Goalie Corrie D'Alessio (3.41 goals-against average) is one of the top netminders in the league this year, but the Red will be dead if it doesn't score goals.

Look for Casey Jones and Trent Andison to spark the Cornell scoring attack.

Last Year: 7-14-1

Ninth Place

Coach Brian Mason

The Big Green just wants to finish ahead of RPI this year. For the past two seasons, Dartmouth missed the playoffs by one point, and the Engineers notched the final post-season spot.

One thing Coach Brian Mason can brag about is the return of ALL-ECAC defender Dave Williams, the only first-team selection from last year not to graduate.

Senior goalie Steve Laurin should keep the Green in a lot of games. Too bad you have to score goals in hockey and not just defend them. Dartmouth desperately needs offense.

Last Year: 4-17-1

11th Place

Coach Jim Higgins

The Tigers should stick to playing football and basketball.

The biggest loss is the graduation of John Messuri, the school's career leading scorer. Coach Jim Higgins hopes 1989 ECAC Rookie of the Year Andre Faust becomes the next Messuri.

But even if Faust does fulfill Higgins' wish, the Tigers will still have to deny the puck. Last year, Princeton was ranked 11th in team defense. The brightest spot behind the blue line is All-Rookie selection Mike McKee.