ELynah Forum

I'm a Minnesota grad so I think I can respond.  First, at any Big Ten school the academics aren't abysmal as you claim.  I'd reserve "abysmal" as the adjective of choice when talking about the St Cloud States of the world.  OK, Minnesota isn't the Ivy League but you could find alot worse.  You were, however, correct in that it is a huge state school, which I enjoyed thoroughly.  

As far as looking forward to kick ass hockey, you bet!  Hell, I saw 2 Hobey winners play in my college years, Bonin and Leopold, and numerous All-Americans.  That, of course, is in addition to two recent National Championships.  It's nice looking at the world through Maroon and Gold glasses.  It was especially nice on March 27, 2005.

I'd say the future looks pretty bright at the U of M!:-D

Why would a hockey coach care about the "diversity" of the team if said team is winning?  Just curious.

I hope you enjoyed your trip to Minnesota as much as this Gopher fan enjoyed his to Ithaca.  I was able to take in the Saturday Cornell-Clarkson playoff game at Lynah and had a great time.  My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the Chapter House and the Hot Truck.  Hopefully some of you got to experience Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown.  

As far as Gopher fans commenting on the number of Canadians on Cornell's roster, you must understand some things.  Minnesota skated with an exclusively Minnesotan roster from 1987 to 2000, and played without a Canadian from 1986 until 2002.  By my count only 17 Canadians have played at Minnesota in the history of the program, which began in 1921.  Of course, this wasn't always the best philosophy, as no National Titles resulted, but much success was had under Doug Woog.  If I remember correctly there was a 10 year run under Woog where the Gophers finished no lower than second in the WCHA.  So, in short, Minnesotans are very proud that we field a team made up of mostly of Minnesotans.  

It would be great if the powers that be would schedule MN-Cornell regular season games in the future.  I hope to run into some Cornell fans in Columbus!  Good luck next year!      

I am in need of some advice regarding Cornell and Ithaca.  I’m a Minnesota graduate and current grad student at Penn State in dire need of some playoff hockey atmosphere, so a couple of friends and I have decided to go to Ithaca this weekend.  I understand that getting tickets to the games is pretty much out of the question, so where would be a good place to watch the games on TV?   Ideally, a place with good a good beer selection and fair prices.   Also, could someone recommend a fairly cheap hotel within stumbling distance of the bars?  Thanks.