Brown, on the other hand, was about as consistent as they come in the ECAC, holding on to the top spot until the final weekend. The Bears are led by Ryan Mulhern (17-16-33) and Brian Jardine (9-21-30) on offense, while another Mr. Consistency, junior Mike Parsons, turns away shots between the pipes.

Brown's rise has been somewhat of a mystery in the league, as the Bears' only presence in the top three of any category is in penalty minutes. But its consistency has been the exception to the rule in the "wacky, wild ECAC," according to Harvard coach Ronn Tomassoni, and also should propel the Bears to Lake Placid.

No. 5 Vermont at No. 4 Colgate

The closest matchup appears to be in Hamilton, N.Y., where the youth of the ECAC will square off. Vermont and Colgate provide some of the youngest, fastest, and most prolific scoring in the league. The two should provide quite a treat for those who choose to enter the ECAC's version of a monastery, Starr Rink.

Vermont is headed by the league's scoring co-champions, Martin St. Louis (22-44-66) and Eric Perrin (26-37-63), and although no one might be able to understand the French duo, they let their stickwork do the talking. St. Louis currently leads the country in scoring, and the Catamounts are equally talented at the other end of the ice.

Sophomore Tim Thomas took home this year's goaltending's crown, and is riding a red-hot streak. In his last twelve games, Thomas has three shutouts and a save percentage of .949. His 638 saves easily led the league, but his teammates will have to break out of their scoring slump to take the league's most loyal fans any further.

As for Colgate, sophomore Mike Harder has expanded on his freshman success, providing 19 goals and 32 assists for 52 Red Raider points. Earl Cronin (18-19-37) and Ron Fogarty (15-21-36) helped the league's second-most potent offense, while another rookie goalie, Dan Brenzavich, has come up big at times. Whether he can hold up to the playoff grind or not is another question for the freshman to answer.

Whether at home or abroad, this weekend's action should produce as much excitement--if not infinitely more--as in past years, and with this season's unpredictability, the playoffs are bound to produce similar results.

CLARKSON

Head Coach: Mark Morrls, 7th season

Captain(s): Brian Mueller, P. Robitaille

1994-95 Record: 20-8-4 Overall, 14-5-3 ECAC (1st Place)

ECAC Tournament Titles: 5

BROWN

Head Coach: Bob Gaudet, 7th season