These are the TBRW ECAC Predictions for the 2004-05 season. For the full statistical details, see: Never Apologize, Never Explain.
Despite losing many of the stars from their landmark 2002-03 NCAA SF squad, Cornell finished a mere one point short of a third consecutive RS title, settling for second and a presumptively safe ECAC QF match-up against a First Round survivor. After dominating Clarkson in the first game of their best-of-three, the Big Red may have packed their bags for a fifth straight trip Albany a little too early, as the wheels fell off and the Golden Knights ended their season prematurely.
Cornell returns loaded for bear, graduating just four players (forwards Ryan Vesce and Greg Hornby, defenseman Ben Wallace, and backup goaltender Todd Marr) and adding a strong freshman cohort featuring NHL draftee Ray Sawada. The wins keep piling up for coach Mike Schafer, now solidly ensconced as the third most-decorated Cornell coach, chasing only legendary Ned Harkness and long-serving Dick Bertrand for top honors.
| 1. | Cornell | |
|
2. |
Colgate | |
| 3. | Harvard | |
| 4. | Dartmouth | |
| 5. | Clarkson | |
| 6. | RPI | |
| 7. | Brown | |
| 8. | Union | |
| 9. | St. Lawrence | |
| 10. | Yale | |
| 11. | Vermont | |
| 12. | Princeton |
We repeat last year's methodology, with the exception that we now count the top 9 forwards by points, top 4 defensemen by points, and all goalies with wins as Leading Forwards, Defensemen, or Goalies. For the full statistical details, see: Never Apologize, Never Explain.
We know of the following non-senior departures, either by defection to the pros, transfer, loss of eligibility or leaving the team or school, among players with at least one appearance last season:
In all other cases, each non-senior who appeared in at least one game last season is assumed to be returning.