They have already beaten No.2 Michigan this season, so the question remains--how will they do against the ECAC?

In many ways, the Red Raiders are experiencing a changing of the guards. Powerful skaters such as Mike Harder, Dave Debusschere and Mike Steeves have all moved on, leaving the torch for seniors Rob Mara and Tim Loftsgard and junior Dan Wildfong.

Not only was Harder a Hobey Baker finalist, but he will also go down in the record books as Colgate's all-time leading scorer (88 goals, 126 assists). In sum, the graduating class took with them 50 percent of last year's total offense, which averaged 3.94 goals per game.

Whether or not Colgate can make up for that offensive hole could be less consequential if senior Dan Brenzavich can repeat the stellar 3.11 GAA of his sophomore year.

After missing most of last year with a broken arm, Wildfong returns this season to center a line with Mara and Loftsgard.

5. Princeton

Much like RPI, Princeton's returning group will determine its future. Immediately following the 1997-98 season, the outlook appeared glaring for the Tigers, but then Dominique Auger--a member of the ECAC All-Rookie Team--decided to depart from New Jersey in favor of the Canadian junior hockey system.

That 23-point loss puts increasing pressure on the top returning line of Casson Masters, Scott Bertoli and Jeff Halpern. But, newcomer Benoit Morin, fresh from the junior A program, is projected to be an offensive gun.

The goaltending situation is one of the oddest yet most of effective systems. No one is quite sure who will get the full-time job, but between Erasmo Saltarelli, Nick Rankin and Craig Bradley, the net should be well taken care of.

6. Harvard

It was the youngest team in Division I hockey last year, and it may rival that status again this season.

With seven freshmen looking to see considerable action, the Crimson will have to unearth the talent it claims to possess.

Leading team scorer Rob Millar returns, but he topped an offense which managed meager stats of 2.6 goals a game and a 10 percent power-play efficiency.

Senior Henry Higdon as well as junior Craig Adams and sophomore Trevor Allman will all have to find the back of the net more consistently.

Defense will have to be the key. And with last year's ECAC Rookie of the Year, goaltender J.R. Prestifilippo, between the pipes, that tactic could just work.