Best professional sports substitute

Let's just admit it: Boston sports teams have been an ulcer a minute in the '90s. They're inconsistent, cursed (and self-conscious about it), and wallet-weakening if you make a habit of seeing them live. The same generalization can also be applied to the major university squads, with one exception: college hockey. And that goes for BU, BC, Northeastern, and Harvard -- just not recently, in the case of the latter. Considering that most of the people on each team have been drafted to the NHL before entering college, this is one collegiate sport where you can be pretty sure you're watching a future star, if not witnessing the work of a living legend. BC has a Flutie-on-ice in Brian Gionta, a pint-sized sophomore defenseman who's tough as nails and a whole lot more skilled; Northeastern's Marc Robitaille is a suave and savvy second-year net minder; and BU, no matter the year, has college-coach-for-the-ages Jack Parker behind the bench. But no doubt the choicest aspect about this six-month ice party -- the season starts in October and doesn't end until April -- is being a part of it. The arenas, which range in capacity from 3000 to 5000, are full of a whole lot of loud, slightly inebriated, generally lovable folks. And most tickets cost about $10. Plus, with college sports you won't encounter all those lovely situations such as disloyalty, contract disputes, and lack of passion.

BC tickets, (617) 552-3000; BU, (617) 353-3838; Harvard, (617) 495-2211; Northeastern, (617) 373-4700.