TBRW Predictions: 1997

In which, the TBRW? prognostication system, lately so successful, turns its attention to this year�s ECAC.

Place	Team     
  1	Vermont
  2	Clarkson
  3	Cornell
  4	St. Lawrence
  5	Colgate
  6	Harvard
  7	Dartmouth
  8	Brown
  9	Union
 10	Princeton
 11	RPI
 12	Yale

"Never Apologize, Never Explain"

How we calculate our predictions.

The TBRW? predictions are based on each team�s previous year�s performance, modified by off-season roster changes. In the past, we ranked teams within the conference and gave them a +1 or -1 offset for several modifying values. This time around, inspired no doubt by our atrocious performance last year, we�ll stick with the facts, using the raw values of the statistics themselves, rather than artificially dividing them into ranked thirds.

Each team receives a base score reflecting its previous regular season standing -- RS. The number of post-season upset wins or losses PS is then added to this base score.

Finally, added to this score is a function of the following modifiers:

Modifiers
Modifier Description
5 pct Conference winning percentage in 5 seasons previous to past season.
1/2 Second-half improvement, previous regular season.
RetG Percentage of previous season�s goals scored returning for current season.
RetD Percentage of previous season�s defenseman games played returning for current season.
RetM Percentage of previous season�s goaltender minutes played returning for current season.
 

The coefficient multiplier for the sum of the modifiers helps balance the effects of roster changes and also generates a final score which signifies the number of points a team should finish with.