2003-2004 record: 16-10-6, 13-6-3 ECAC (2nd)

ANALYSIS: Goaltending figured to be a prominent question for Cornell last season, but then-freshman David McKee definitively answered that question and will again be the foundation of the Big Red’s typically solid defense. He’ll need to be particularly sharp, since the new emphasis on eliminating clutch-and-grab tactics will affect Cornell more directly than any other program in the conference. Whether the historically large, slow skaters employed by Mike Schafer can adapt will determine the Big Red’s finish this season.

DARTMOUTH

2003-2004 record: 14-11-9, 10-5-7 ECAC (T-4th)

ANALYSIS: This is the moment Dartmouth faithful have been waiting for. With the Big Green’s top scorers Lee Stempniak, Hugh Jessiman and Mike Oullette at their peak, and rising star Grant Lewis now with one year under his belt, Dartmouth has more seasoned talent than any other ECAC program. But can the Big Green handle the hype? An embarrassing early-season loss to future league foe Quinnipiac would suggest otherwise, but that should be forgotten months from now.

PRINCETON

2003-2004 record: 5-24-2, 5-15-2 ECAC (12th)

ANALYSIS: Make no mistake. Despite importing coach Guy Gadowsky from Alaska and bringing in NHL coach Ken Hitchcock as a pre-season volunteer, Princeton is still, and always will be, awful. The Tigers still lack the talent to compete for a shot at .500 at the end of the day, and will certainly finish in last yet again this year. But Princeton fans shouldn’t lose heart. If recent history is any indication, the Tigers will still be just good enough to beat Harvard.

RENSSELAER

2003-2004 record: 22-15-2, 13-8-1 ECAC (T-4th)

ANALYSIS: RPI has the role players necessary to stay out of the ECAC dungeon, but not quite enough talent to crack the top four. Kirk MacDonald, Nick Eonomakos and Kevin Croxton have already made their impacts felt thus far this year, with between nine and 11 points apiece through seven games. But that trio had better get some unexpected support from somewhere, else they’ll be headed for another middle of the pack finish.

ST. LAWRENCE

2003-2004 record: 14-21-6, 7-12-3 ECAC (10th)