"We're used to playing a physicaltype game," Boyce says. "We like to bang into the boards and control the puck down low in the offensive zones."

Boston may be a three-hour drive from Burlington, Vt., but Boston Garden will look a lot like UVM's Gutterson Field House tonight. Last year, Vermont fans packed the Garden, filling it with screams of "Go, Cats, Go." This year, Vermont's share of ECAC Final Four tickets sold out just as quickly. The Burlington-to-Boston bus route will be popular this weekend.

"The feeling around campus these past couple of days has been tremendous," Boyce says. "The whole campus, the whole city of Burlington, has been supportive."

UVM fans did not always have a lot to cheer about. Last year's ECAC Final Four appearance was the Cats first in 13 years. When the Cats finished sixth in the regular season this year, it look like they would be staying home again. Back to the blues.

But Vermont upset Colgate in the quarterfinals. And Burlington is going back to Boston.

"A lot of our success has to do with Coach Gilligan and his attitude toward the school, the community and the players," Boyce says. "He makes sure he provides something for everyone, keeping everyone happy. He attracts the kind of athlete--the student-athlete--who is good for the program. And he has established a real competitive attitude."

He is gracious.

Saint Win

In last year's tournament, Vermont fell to St. Lawrence in the semifinals and lost to Harvard in the consolation game. But Boyce says the team profited from the experience.

"We were there last year," Boyce says. "Now we know what it's like to be there. I think we're going to do well this year."

He is ready.