I think getting out of Minnesota was good for Varland. Not sure he does that with the Twins and pressure of being a home town guy. I think Twins are a little too hung up on drafting Minnesota guys.
You dont need an NHL rink for super regionals. Plenty of AHL (and even some USHL) rinks would work, with seating of 10K plus.
Better promotional always helps, but dialing back ticket prices a little would help even more.
Helps when you avoid NCHC teams in the bracket. Michigan St. Or Wisconsin will be in Frozen Four, but not sure if they are noticeably better than Penn St.