Lake Placid-2024

[marty]

Even though I love ECAC Hockey and would not want to change the conference (except maybe sending Q to HE), it's kind of bothersome how small-time this league looks in the postseason compared to HE and B1G. In football we have seen the B1G and SEC schools claiming that top tier for themselves and it seems like a similar thing is evolving in hockey. HE and B1G conference final fours are very well attended, and also offer much more and better media content. I guess there's not too much that can be done realistically. Lake Placid is still probably the best host for the ECAC. I guess we should be grateful that Lynah is still relatively well attended.

Reported attendance for yesterday's semifinals were both given as 4015. If had to guess based on appearances, it was something like 2500 for SLU-Q and 2000 for CU-Dc with something like 500 watching both. With the snowstorm coming in, gonna be tough to bump up the numbers much for the final unless SLU inspired more folks to take a trip. 3000 would be a good number for today all things considered.

The league did something about it last year in Tampa even if it was by way of the unwanted step child.

[The Rancor]

Even though I love ECAC Hockey and would not want to change the conference (except maybe sending Q to HE), it's kind of bothersome how small-time this league looks in the postseason compared to HE and B1G. In football we have seen the B1G and SEC schools claiming that top tier for themselves and it seems like a similar thing is evolving in hockey. HE and B1G conference final fours are very well attended, and also offer much more and better media content. I guess there's not too much that can be done realistically. Lake Placid is still probably the best host for the ECAC. I guess we should be grateful that Lynah is still relatively

Yep, it's something we've come to accept about the ECAC. It's a mid-major conference. Plays great hockey, but it is comprised of (mostly) academic institutions, not sport factories, and most of us wouldn't change that for the world. Sure, we'd like some more national respect and coverage, recruits and shiny things, but it wins championships, produces NHL talent, and has excellent entertainment value. Enjoy it for what it is.

[RichH]

Even though I love ECAC Hockey and would not want to change the conference (except maybe sending Q to HE), it's kind of bothersome how small-time this league looks in the postseason compared to HE and B1G. In football we have seen the B1G and SEC schools claiming that top tier for themselves and it seems like a similar thing is evolving in hockey. HE and B1G conference final fours are very well attended, and also offer much more and better media content. I guess there's not too much that can be done realistically. Lake Placid is still probably the best host for the ECAC. I guess we should be grateful that Lynah is still relatively

Yep, it's something we've come to accept about the ECAC. It's a mid-major conference. Plays great hockey, but it is comprised of (mostly) academic institutions, not sport factories, and most of us wouldn't change that for the world. Sure, we'd like some more national respect and coverage, recruits and shiny things, but it wins championships, produces NHL talent, and has excellent entertainment value. Enjoy it for what it is.

That's fine, but we don't have to act like it. We retreated to this lovely resort town, and can put on our own show for our own fans. 4000-6000 feels about right for our league convention/festival. Let's put on a show rather than show fealty. We have the local attention.

One thing I'm noticing, picking my head out of the sand and looking around for the first time in a while, the (new) CCHA is now noticeably lower tier than the AHA, and with historic programs. They're holding their tournament on campus. I'm super grateful we still have an event like this.

[The Rancor]

Even though I love ECAC Hockey and would not want to change the conference (except maybe sending Q to HE), it's kind of bothersome how small-time this league looks in the postseason compared to HE and B1G. In football we have seen the B1G and SEC schools claiming that top tier for themselves and it seems like a similar thing is evolving in hockey. HE and B1G conference final fours are very well attended, and also offer much more and better media content. I guess there's not too much that can be done realistically. Lake Placid is still probably the best host for the ECAC. I guess we should be grateful that Lynah is still relatively

Yep, it's something we've come to accept about the ECAC. It's a mid-major conference. Plays great hockey, but it is comprised of (mostly) academic institutions, not sport factories, and most of us wouldn't change that for the world. Sure, we'd like some more national respect and coverage, recruits and shiny things, but it wins championships, produces NHL talent, and has excellent entertainment value. Enjoy it for what it is.

That's fine, but we don't have to act like it. We retreated to this lovely resort town, and can put on our own show for our own fans. 4000-6000 feels about right for our league convention/festival. Let's put on a show rather than show fealty. We have the local attention.

One thing I'm noticing, picking my head out of the sand and looking around for the first time in a while, the (new) CCHA is now noticeably lower tier than the AHA, and with historic programs. They're holding their tournament on campus. I'm super grateful we still have an event like this.

Totally agree. I was confused about the 5:00 start time as well. Must be a basketball thing, was my thought. But We're hockey fans! Why care about that??

[newco113]

Even though I love ECAC Hockey and would not want to change the conference (except maybe sending Q to HE), it's kind of bothersome how small-time this league looks in the postseason compared to HE and B1G. In football we have seen the B1G and SEC schools claiming that top tier for themselves and it seems like a similar thing is evolving in hockey. HE and B1G conference final fours are very well attended, and also offer much more and better media content. I guess there's not too much that can be done realistically. Lake Placid is still probably the best host for the ECAC. I guess we should be grateful that Lynah is still relatively well attended.

Reported attendance for yesterday's semifinals were both given as 4015. If had to guess based on appearances, it was something like 2500 for SLU-Q and 2000 for CU-Dc with something like 500 watching both. With the snowstorm coming in, gonna be tough to bump up the numbers much for the final unless SLU inspired more folks to take a trip. 3000 would be a good number for today all things considered.

The 4,015 was for the Friday session. They don't combine the 2 games together to get that figure. When you scan your ticket you're counted for both, whether you actually are there or not. There were definitely more people there for the first game though. Was pretty obvious. St. Lawrence had a very good turnout, as expected. Cornell did as well. I actually think there were more Dartmouth fans there than Q, but neither brought much for fans. Should be a great game tonight!

[arugula]

I seem to recall that the Boston Garden was nearly full for the ECAC in the mid 80s. I get that we can't go back there, but how about Barclays or UBS or the Prudential. I'm sure MSG is too pricy. In the highly likely event that Cornell is in the semi finals there will be a strong likely five figure not half empty crowd.

Having the event in small to tiny markets guarantees small to tiny crowds.  In NYC you can find 10,000 people to do anything.

[Chris '03]

Even though I love ECAC Hockey and would not want to change the conference (except maybe sending Q to HE), it's kind of bothersome how small-time this league looks in the postseason compared to HE and B1G. In football we have seen the B1G and SEC schools claiming that top tier for themselves and it seems like a similar thing is evolving in hockey. HE and B1G conference final fours are very well attended, and also offer much more and better media content. I guess there's not too much that can be done realistically. Lake Placid is still probably the best host for the ECAC. I guess we should be grateful that Lynah is still relatively well attended.

The more I think about it, the more I'm getting perturbed that the ECAC final is a 5pm start. The ECAC moved its tournament from Boston in the 90s because we started to feel like we were being treated as an "undercard" to HEA. And now we're doing it in our own event space for what? It feels like our event is cheapened. Here's your early-bird special, consolation slot, and don't forget to tip your waitress.

This should be an event for the town, too. Seeing everyone having dinner, getting psyched for the main event. Sun goes down, spotlight is on. Now it's, "do we eat at 4pm or 9pm?" All the businesses have to adjust their shifts.

If this is the first move of the new ECAC Hockey commissioner/administration, I'm not impressed.

The only positive for 5p is that it makes it easier for folks coming 2-4 hrs to day trip and not get home well after midnight.  (And wrestling fans can watch both back to back)

It's otherwise lousy all the way around. Sorry guys playing Friday night. Come back on less than usual rest to play Saturday for a title. But next week you'll have extra rest if you advance at ncaas.

I also think the best of three game 3s on Sunday afternoons are dumb.

[imafrshmn]

I seem to recall that the Boston Garden was nearly full for the ECAC in the mid 80s. I get that we can't go back there, but how about Barclays or UBS or the Prudential. I'm sure MSG is too pricy. In the highly likely event that Cornell is in the semi finals there will be a strong likely five figure not half empty crowd.

Having the event in small to tiny markets guarantees small to tiny crowds.  In NYC you can find 10,000 people to do anything.

I've been thinking about this... is it worth it to bring in a ton of truly neutral fans to fill the seats in a bigger market venue, or does that somehow compromise the energy in the building? Our HE and B1G peers somehow manage to cultivate a lot more fans who are not directly connected with the institutions, and sell a sleeker more professional looking show. It helps when you are bigtime in football or basketball and have that legacy of sports branding. To be honest it grosses me out a little bit and i don't think the answer is to imitate them. The answer is to celebrate our own virtues and do what we do best. I'm much happier seeing the bespoke ECAC championship logo at center ice than, say, a River Rat or a Bruins 'B'.

[marty]

I seem to recall that the Boston Garden was nearly full for the ECAC in the mid 80s. I get that we can't go back there, but how about Barclays or UBS or the Prudential. I'm sure MSG is too pricy. In the highly likely event that Cornell is in the semi finals there will be a strong likely five figure not half empty crowd.

Having the event in small to tiny markets guarantees small to tiny crowds.  In NYC you can find 10,000 people to do anything.

I've been thinking about this... is it worth it to bring in a ton of truly neutral fans to fill the seats in a bigger market venue, or does that somehow compromise the energy in the building? Our HE and B1G peers somehow manage to cultivate a lot more fans who are not directly connected with the institutions, and sell a sleeker more professional looking show. It helps when you are bigtime in football or basketball and have that legacy of sports branding. To be honest it grosses me out a little bit and i don't think the answer is to imitate them. The answer is to celebrate our own virtues and do what we do best. I'm much happier seeing the bespoke ECAC championship logo at center ice than, say, a River Rat or a Bruins 'B'.

I got a kick out of seeing the lame Rowdy River Rat on the Barlow goal replay.  And the ECAC lives and dies in Albany.

[jtwcornell91]

Even though I love ECAC Hockey and would not want to change the conference (except maybe sending Q to HE), it's kind of bothersome how small-time this league looks in the postseason compared to HE and B1G. In football we have seen the B1G and SEC schools claiming that top tier for themselves and it seems like a similar thing is evolving in hockey. HE and B1G conference final fours are very well attended, and also offer much more and better media content. I guess there's not too much that can be done realistically. Lake Placid is still probably the best host for the ECAC. I guess we should be grateful that Lynah is still relatively well attended.

The more I think about it, the more I'm getting perturbed that the ECAC final is a 5pm start. The ECAC moved its tournament from Boston in the 90s because we started to feel like we were being treated as an "undercard" to HEA. And now we're doing it in our own event space for what? It feels like our event is cheapened. Here's your early-bird special, consolation slot, and don't forget to tip your waitress.

This should be an event for the town, too. Seeing everyone having dinner, getting psyched for the main event. Sun goes down, spotlight is on. Now it's, "do we eat at 4pm or 9pm?" All the businesses have to adjust their shifts.

If this is the first move of the new ECAC Hockey commissioner/administration, I'm not impressed.

I remember that in 1996, the final was at 4pm, since we had dinner and drove back to Kingston afterwards.  But that was back when there was a Consy, which was at 1pm.

[RichH]

Even though I love ECAC Hockey and would not want to change the conference (except maybe sending Q to HE), it's kind of bothersome how small-time this league looks in the postseason compared to HE and B1G. In football we have seen the B1G and SEC schools claiming that top tier for themselves and it seems like a similar thing is evolving in hockey. HE and B1G conference final fours are very well attended, and also offer much more and better media content. I guess there's not too much that can be done realistically. Lake Placid is still probably the best host for the ECAC. I guess we should be grateful that Lynah is still relatively well attended.

The more I think about it, the more I'm getting perturbed that the ECAC final is a 5pm start. The ECAC moved its tournament from Boston in the 90s because we started to feel like we were being treated as an "undercard" to HEA. And now we're doing it in our own event space for what? It feels like our event is cheapened. Here's your early-bird special, consolation slot, and don't forget to tip your waitress.

This should be an event for the town, too. Seeing everyone having dinner, getting psyched for the main event. Sun goes down, spotlight is on. Now it's, "do we eat at 4pm or 9pm?" All the businesses have to adjust their shifts.

If this is the first move of the new ECAC Hockey commissioner/administration, I'm not impressed.

I remember that in 1996, the final was at 4pm, since we had dinner and drove back to Kingston afterwards.  But that was back when there was a Consy, which was at 1pm.

Huh! Fuzzy memories.

"The time of the University of Vermont Victory Parade to the Arena has been changed from 3pm to noon."

I still haven't heard a sporting event laugh so loudly.

[Jeff Hopkins '82]

To give you an idea of how second class this tournament feels, there are no programs at the rink and not even a QR code to scan for one (like there was last year).  They just didn't bother creating one.  Also, there's a single tiny stand selling souvenirs.  None of it has the name of the schools on it - all the souvenirs simply have the tournament logo.  In other words, the tournament did the bare minimum of preparing for the fans.

Add that to the ridiculous prices for hotels, food, etc.  And the fact that almost all of the restaurants are closed when the late game ends.  They claim the town supports this but it's really hard to see that in practice.

I keep hoping we find some place better than LP, but sadly, I think there's not really a better option.  But personally, I'm thinking Albany was better than here.

[George64]

"The time of the University of Vermont Victory Parade to the Arena has been changed from 3pm to noon."

Reminds me of an unfortunately prescient headline in the November 7, 2016 edition of the NY Post - Clinton calls off Election Night fireworks.

[Jeff Hopkins '82]

I also heard something interesting at the rink last night.  Apparently, Vermont has been trying to get some OOC games with Cornell, but "Cornell's AD was so pissed about UVM leaving the ECAC for Hockey East that he refused to ever allow Cornell to play them."

Maybe our new AD will allow that to happen now?

[Al DeFlorio]

I keep hoping we find some place better than LP, but sadly, I think there's not really a better option.  But personally, I'm thinking Albany was better than here.

Agree