Top defenseman: Junior Charlie Cook (3-13-16 last year, 5-23-28 career).

Top goaltender: Senior Todd Marr (2-2-0, 1.76 GAA, .932 save pct. last year and career).

3. Dartmouth (Current record: 0-0-0)

What a fun team to watch. The Big Green loves to skate and score, and if coach Bob Gaudet can find a top-line goaltender, Dartmouth could be a third ECAC team in the NCAA tournament. The bet here is whether junior Dan Yacey will get the nod in the net after a strong 2003 post-season, and if he’s able to put up a similar GAA to his 2.15 in limited action last year. If Yacey pays off, Dartmouth could have back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in school history. Offensively, the key will be star forward Hugh “Huge Specimen” Jessiman, whose oh-so-smooth hands and 6’5, 215-lb. frame inspire widespread scout-salivating. Last year’s undisputed ECAC Rookie of the Year, Jessiman was taken in the first round of June’s draft by the New York Rangers. Catch him while you can.

Coach: Gaudet (16th year overall, 173-229-52; 7th year at Dartmouth, 80-87-21).

Last year: 20-13-1, lost in ECAC semifinals to Harvard.

Top forward: Sophomore Hugh Jessiman (23-24-47 last year and career).

Top defenseman: Senior Brian Van Abel (0-5-5 last year, 4-9-13 career).

Top goaltender: Junior Dan Yacey (1-1-1, 2.15 GAA, .932 save pct. last year; 1-3-1, 2.53, .921 career).

4. Brown (Current record: 0-0-0)

Two words: Yann Danis. Yes, he’s back, and no, people haven’t stopped shaking their heads over his 66-save performance at Bright Hockey Center on a magical March eve two seasons ago. A spry puck-stopping machine, Danis turned down serious free agent cheese over the summer—including an offer from his favorite team, the Montreal Canadiens—to return to Brown for his senior year. To wit: Bank on him having a very focused, often spectacular season.

The Bears’ offense has improved, with Brent Robinson and Les Haggett viable scoring threats, but Danis will have to win a few games by himself for this team to earn a first-round bye. And you know what? He will. He’s that good.

Coach: Roger Grillo (7th year overall and at Brown, 62-101-22).

Last year: 16-14-5, lost in ECAC semifinals to Cornell.

Top forward: Senior Brent Robinson (15-23-38 last year, 25-43-68 career).