VERMONT

Head Coach: Mike Gilligan, 13th season

'95-'96 ECAC Finish: First

'95-'96 record: 25-5-4, 17-2-3 ECAC

By far the scariest team in the league. After taking the ECAC title and then only losing in double overtime to Colorado College in the NCAA semifinal round, the Catamounts have almost everyone back.

Leading the charge will be the dangerous scoring combo of seniors Martin St. Louis and ECAC Player of the Year Eric Perrin. Both snipers collected 85 points last year, while their linemate, senior J.C. Ruid, amassed 29 goals of his own.

To make matters even worse for the rest of the league, All-American goaltender Tim Thomas (26-7-4, 2.34 GAA) is back for another season and will stand behind a solid defense led by seniors Jan Kloboucek (7 goals-11 assists-18 points) and Eric Hallman.

The one thing which could cause the mighty Catamounts to tumble will be lack of scoring depth behind the Perrin-St. Louis-Ruid line.

CLARKSON

Head Coach: Mark Morris, 9th season

'95-'96 ECAC Finish: Second

'95-'96 record: 24-7-3, 16-4-2 ECAC

Despite losing a combined 75 points from Steve Palmer and David Seitz, the Golden Knights seem to be the team to challenge the Catamounts for the title.

The offense will survive behind Hobey Baker favorite and All-American Todd White (29-43-72) while senior Jean-Francois Houle (14-15-29) and junior Dana Mulvihill (12-12-24) look to step up their production this year.

Ironman goaltender Dan Murphy (25-10-3, 2.69), who played all but 62 minutes last year, is back. He will be supported by a strong defense of seven returning lettermen led by Mikko Ollila and Nicholas Windsor who showed a scoring touch last season.