LOOK FOR THE 'CATS TO BE TOP DOGS.(SPORTS)

Byline: BOB CROCE Staff writer

Clarkson has talent to die for, Harvard always seems to know how to get there and RPI's Engineers are still bountiful goal scorers.

But bet on the University of Vermont Catamounts this time. They might still be young, but they're ready to reign in the Eastern College Athletic Conference.

After years of struggle, coach Mike Gilligan's Cats should end up on top once the ECAC standings become finalized in March.

After that? Well, March Madness could end up being kind to some of the conference's other movers and shakers once the playoffs begin.

This should be one of the most-competitive seasons ever for the ECAC. Five or six schools could contend for the playoff championship by the time it's over, and don't be surprised if RPI and Union College are matched up again in the first round.

But the regular season will belong to the Cats from Burlington, who have never won an ECAC championship.

``I think we should be in the top four, based on who we have coming back,'' said Gilligan, whose team finished fifth (10-6-6) in the ECAC last season and …