"We certainly have a long way to go," Coach Donald Cahoon says. "Obviously, we gave up a lot physically and in the locker room."

The Tigers have already lost three big-time players to injury, including senior co-Captain defenseman Sverre Sears, who will be out for at least two weeks.

Cahoon is almost giddy about this year's defense, led by senior goalie Craig Fiander. And last year's second offensive line of Brian Bigelow, Terry Morris and Matt Zilinskas, known as the "Money Line", returns intact.

But Cahoon realizes the difficulties his young team will have to face early in the season.

"We've been ravaged by injuries," he says. "We have to overcome them and we have to mature."

9. CORNELL

Cornell's defense may have been depleted by graduation and the professional draft in the off-season, but the Big Red still hopes to fare better than its ninth place preseason ranking would indicate.

One player who will be sorely missed is Parris Duffus. The All-American goaltender gave up his last year of collegiate eligiblity to sign a professional contract with the St. Louis Blues over the summer. Duffus' departure leaves the goaltending responsibilities to sophomore Andy Bandurski.

But Cornell Captain Ryan Hughes thinks Bandurski can fill Duffus' large skates.

"When you lose a first team All-American it obviously hurts," Hughes says. "But we have as much confidence in Andy right now as we did in Parris."

Five defenders from last year's team graduated leaving a wide gap at Cornell's blueline this year.

But the defense, though basically untried, continues to hinge on senior stand-out Etienne Belzile, the 1990 second-round draft choice of the Calgary Flames.

"Belzile's as good as any defenseman in the league," Hughes says.

The Big Red offense, which recorded its lowest output in 20 years last season, was also ravaged by graduation.

Hughes, who was also All-Ivy honorable mention last year, will have to provide leadership for a front line which includes five newcomers.