Without Heffler, the Saints probably will take a couple small steps backwards, possibly making the coaches' ranking a little high. The inexperienced, but highly touted, Jeremy Symington takes over between the pipes and his success will determine his team's fate.

Symington will benefit from a very experienced defensive core led by captain Justin Varney and Dale Clarke. It boasts a very unbalanced attack led by Eric Anderson (10, 30) and ECAC Rookie of the Year Brandon Dietrich (20, 19). If teams can find a way to shut down the Saints' top line, however, there is not a lot of goal-scoring depth at the forward position.

3. Rensselaer

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Last year's RPI squad, which eliminated Harvard in the first round of the playoffs, could be reduced to one word--offense. The Engineers (23-12-2, 13-7-2, 3rd) were above and beyond the best attacking team in the conference, which compensated for any defensive deficiencies. But they've graduated 146 points of total offense and production that isn't readily replaceable.

RPI still has plenty of punch left as Matt Murley (17, 33) leads a trio of top wingers along with Brad Tapper (20, 20) and Pete Gardiner (17, 21) They will be expected to shoulder even more of the load on a team weak at center.

The Engineers hope to be more aggressive on a defense that will be led by captain Brian Pothier. They have the luxury of having two No.1 goaltenders in seniors Joel Laing and Scott Prekaski. The combination of offense and goaltendng will keep the Engineers at the top of the division, but shouldn't be enough to make the NCAA.

4. Colgate

For the past two seasons, Colgate (19-12-4, 12-8-2, t-5th) has been one of the rising stars in the ECAC. Two years ago it had a stunning late-season collapse, and last year it remained strong through a postseason ride that ended at the conference semifinals in Lake Placid. This could be the year the Red Raiders return to the NCAA playoffs.

Colgate did not graduate anyone of significance last year, meaning that it still has captain Andy McDonald (21, 25). McDonald is being touted as a Hobey Baker Candidate and while he certainly is not the best player in the nation, he is among the elite.