re: Thoughts on the first half....
UNB - self pity much? They lost 2 games early in the season. So did UPEI. DAL lost 3.
They have quite a few new players who regardless of their CHL stats need to learn the game at this level. Not sure what you mean by "real" contender. UNB contends every year. Sproule will add to their talent pool.
UPEI - Forbie has done good things with this team. Solid goaltending, some decent scoring. As the UPEI broadcaster said one night about the Pilons: "If they can stay inside the fence, they're fine." If this East Coast guy shows up expect them to be better. I still expect them to get in as host.
UdeM - Another team with solid goaltending and scoring. Started out hot and are still in a good position.
SMU - Not blessed with gifted goal scorers but have won games with stellar goaltending and have lost games with less than stellar goaltending. I think Helvig has positioned himself as #1. If they get their injured guys back they can contend.
SFX - I expected more from them especially with a young team last year going to the Nationals and getting Bronze. Look for them to "rassemble ta merde" and move up the ladder in the 2nd half.
ACA - Honestly, ACA is where I expect them to be. Losing a bunch of guys last year, having a goalie recruit drop out at the last minute doesn't help. Their young guys will get better, but they need a good recruiting year to restock the cupboard. McCollum is a nice surprise. They've played with a short bench a fair bit due to injuries.
DAL - Not a lot to say. The loss of Gentile and Kirwin mid-season had a negative impact. This years class is very average. While they work hard every game, the talent is just not there. Expec them to steal a win or twon the the 2nd half.
