October 9, 2007 E-MAIL PRINT

Atlantic Hockey Preview, 2007-08

CHN Staff Report

Atlantic Hockey continues to change and evolve, and by and large, these changes over the years have been for the better.

Last season, Air Force joined the league and went on to win the tournament championship, becoming the first service academy to make the NCAA tournament. Once there, it almost defeated Minnesota in the First Round, nearly duplicating Holy Cross' shocker from a season ago.

So the league has come a long way, but is there another level to attain? It's possible, next year may see many more changes, with the expected demise (at least, in its current form) of the CHA. And this year, RIT is a full-fledged member, eligible for the AH tournament and NCAA tournament. The Tigers' arrival — and high hopes — could boost the whole conference.

Old powers like Mercyhurst and Holy Cross can no longer expect to waltz through, but, again, that kind of competition can only help in the long run.

Another change: The first round of the league playoffs has changed to a best-of-three format, joining the 'Big 4' conferences.

Season preview capsules, with teams listed in predicted order of finish:

1. RIT

2. Army

3. Mercyhurst

4. Air Force

5. Sacred Heart

6. Holy Cross

7. Connecticut

8. Bentley

9.Canisius