the best time of the year!

This Tuesday night, once again, highlighted one of the year’s most exciting moments; the announcing of the 2010 NCAA bracket.  It does not compare to the popularity of the March Madness bracket, but to hockey fans across the continental USA, it is a special evening.

In our sport, the NCAA only allows twelve teams to enter the post season tournament.  This makes it extremely difficult for many DI programs to earn that special place on the list.    So, it is inevitable that many friends and colleagues will end their season on that very night.   But, for others, it is the moment that the fun begins.

Many critics and fans believe that this year is going to be an exciting NCAA tournament, with some unpredicted upsets.  I would have to agree.  After watching many games over last few weeks, I do not think one team is far superior then the rest of the pack.  I know that my Maryland alumni family and current UVA circle would probably beg to differ, but that is my prediction.  All I know for sure is that I am anxious to watch the action unfold.  I will be in the Charlottesville bleachers on Saturday, on a flight to San Diego on Sunday (following the games from tweeter), and back in my old College Park stomping grounds for the Final Four.  I encourage you to tune in and watch as the drama unfolds.

I am headed to the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA on Sunday.  It will be a reunion with my teammates, as we have been on break since August.  I look forward to seeing everyone out west and will blog again with updates from the training camp.

Until then……