new super conference (NCHC)

[SkiUMahLaw]

As with many of your posts, that's a well-thought out and detailed response. You should consider a career in law or something.

My point on him doing nothing really wasn't related to trying to keep Minnesota and Wisconsin from leaving the WCHA for the greener pasture$ of the B1G. It was more about the fact that he didn't do anything to try and add schools to the conference to replace them. The WCHA easily could have ended up as a five-team conference without an auto-bid. That's not going to happen now...but (again, from my spot 2000 miles to the south) it sure seemed for a while like it was possible.

Always good ribbing with you.

From what I understand, the WCHA voted unanimously this past spring to invite Miami of OH and Notre Dame to join the club. That was before UND and DU took their ball and went home, however, according to the UAA Athletic Director, who indicated that the conference extended the invitation, then someone called those two schools and said "don't take the invite-- we're going to invite you....". That's pretty shady-- and not much you can do as a commish if you get blindsided like that-- out of the blue and without warning. But he did apparently did encourage the conference to act, and it did.

The other question to that, though-- was the conference better off with only 10 teams anyway? That is an open question, and one we may never find out in reality-- but it may have been his recommendation that the future is in nonconference games, and adding two teams to the WCHA could prevent a regular schedule playing B1G teams. Just a thought...

[MNman]

I know programs with existing DII or DIII programs have jumped to the DI level. I don't recall of any ACHA (club hockey)
teams going directly to DI.

http://achahockey.org/news2.php?news_id=412840&league_id=1059&lang=

[MhdGopher]

Here is a thought: if there are people who don't care to hear both sides of the issue, they could easily avoid seeing the "complaining" by avoiding the threads on the subjects. Otherwise, I would suggest that the reader be prepared to hear opinions both for and against the upcoming changes. Both are valid, IMO.

Ahhhh...the old....if you don't want to hear me complain then don't read this post....or the unsaid but implied GPL at all for that matter....response. IALTO

Let's try it this way:

If there are people that don't care to accept the reality that the B1G is happening and there isn't anything that any of us can do about it, they could easily avoid the "inconvenience" by avoiding watching the B1G. Otherwise, I would suggest that the poster be prepared to deal with, and live with, the upcoming changes. Which are reality, IMO.

That approach can cut both ways and you know it GE.

I don't like the fact that the B1G is happening either. I really don't. But it isn't going away so all any of us can do is deal with it and try to see the positives.

[Golden FE Ranger]

Here is a thought: if there are people who don't care to hear both sides of the issue, they could easily avoid seeing the "complaining" by avoiding the threads on the subjects. Otherwise, I would suggest that the reader be prepared to hear opinions both for and against the upcoming changes. Both are valid, IMO.

Ahhhh...the old....if you don't want to hear me complain then don't read this post....or the unsaid but implied GPL at all for that matter....response. IALTO.

Sorry, Mhd, but to me just because the arguement is old, does not invalidate it. This is a college hockey discussion board, and there is little debate that the creation of the BTHC will fundimentally change the landscape. The fact that the changes have yet to take place suggest to me it might be a little early to expect people to get over it. I doubt there are too many here who have not accepted the idea of the BTHC; that is not to say they have come to like it.

For me personally, I see the BTHC as a zero gain situation. Others have a valid arguement that the BTHC has advantages. Either way, Gopher fans are sure to differ on such a sweeping change to the schedule format. As additional changes happen as a result of the BTHC, I won't be surprised to hear additional complaining on college hockey message boards. Maybe after a season or two, I will find out that it is the best thing that ever happend to my favorite sport - but I doubt it. Until then, I guess I will have to try to "deal with, and live with" it, but don't be surprised to hear me complain here and there along the way if you click the thread. I guess you will have to learn to deal with it.

[Hammy]

Here is a thought: if there are people who don't care to hear both sides of the issue, they could easily avoid seeing the "complaining" by avoiding the threads on the subjects.

That can be easier said than done when this thread title was about the new conference coming together as opposed to a thread titled "I hate the f*@king BTHC!"

[Golden FE Ranger]

Here is a thought: if there are people who don't care to hear both sides of the issue, they could easily avoid seeing the "complaining" by avoiding the threads on the subjects.

That can be easier said than done when this thread title was about the new conference coming together as opposed to a thread titled "I hate the f*@king BTHC!"

I think the two issues you mention are pretty tied together and the creation of the NCHC is just another reason to hate the BTHC

[frozen4champs]

Put this in Big 10 conference thread also.

Lucia want a tourney at X with Mn schools.

http://www.sctimes.com/article/20110720 ... d-good-all

[The Rube]

Here is a thought: if there are people who don't care to hear both sides of the issue, they could easily avoid seeing the "complaining" by avoiding the threads on the subjects.

That can be easier said than done when this thread title was about the new conference coming together as opposed to a thread titled "I hate the f*@king BTHC!"

I don't hate the BTHC. I hate how it's affected college hockey, given the sport's uniqueness. If the sport were stable enough to absorb the BTHC, then fine. There have been major changes before. Obviously, the sport isn't stable enough, because the simple act of creating the BTHC caused mass exodus out of the WCHA and CCHA, basically changing the whole western half of the sport. If my count is right, 23 teams out of 59 are affected. Possibly more, depending on HE (Notre Dame), UAH (do they get to finally go back to a conference?), and the AHA (who are rumored to be in talks with the CCHA).

[gopheritall]

Here is a thought: if there are people who don't care to hear both sides of the issue, they could easily avoid seeing the "complaining" by avoiding the threads on the subjects.

That can be easier said than done when this thread title was about the new conference coming together as opposed to a thread titled "I hate the f*@king BTHC!"

I don't hate the BTHC. I hate how it's affected college hockey, given the sport's uniqueness. If the sport were stable enough to absorb the BTHC, then fine. There have been major changes before. Obviously, the sport isn't stable enough, because the simple act of creating the BTHC caused mass exodus out of the WCHA and CCHA, basically changing the whole western half of the sport. If my count is right, 23 teams out of 59 are affected. Possibly more, depending on HE (Notre Dame), UAH (do they get to finally go back to a conference?), and the AHA (who are rumored to be in talks with the CCHA).

This is not unique to the college hockey and does indicate that college hockey is not stable. Last year when Nebraska joined the Big Ten in football. There were serious talks of completely dissolving the Big 12 (esp if Texas left). I think most would consider NCAA FB fairly stable. Other FB moves happened last year too (Colorado, Utah, Boise State) which impacted Big10, Big12, Pac-10 (now 12), Mountain West, and WAC. That is a total of 50 "impacted" football programs last year.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5276551

I feel bad for the programs that lost their games/conf tie with the larger programs. It is too early to say that college hockey was destroyed in 2011. It may wind up being a negative impact but it also might wind up being a wash or better if more programs join because there is room in the conferences. Time will tell.

[magoose]

NCHC = Nodak Cherish Holy Cross.

Enough said.

[dryfly]

Put this in Big 10 conference thread also.

Lucia want a tourney at X with Mn schools.

http://www.sctimes.com/article/20110720 ... d-good-all

Good idea.

[mrscharf]

Put this in Big 10 conference thread also.

Lucia want a tourney at X with Mn schools.

http://www.sctimes.com/article/20110720 ... d-good-all

Good idea.

Don't under estimate the influence the three former CCHA schools will have. I think Wisconsin would choose St. Paul, but I would think Penn State might choose Detroit for ease travel for their fans.

CCHA Championship games drew 16,000-17,000 fans and there were 30,000 plus at the FF a couple of years ago. Detroit supports hockey.

I think the best that can be hoped for is rotating the tourney between 2 or 3 sites.

[LeoPohl]

Put this in Big 10 conference thread also.

Lucia want a tourney at X with Mn schools.

http://www.sctimes.com/article/20110720 ... d-good-all

Good idea.

Don't under estimate the influence the three former CCHA schools will have. I think Wisconsin would choose St. Paul, but I would think Penn State might choose Detroit for ease travel for their fans.

CCHA Championship games drew 16,000-17,000 fans and there were 30,000 plus at the FF a couple of years ago. Detroit supports hockey.

I think the best that can be hoped for is rotating the tourney between 2 or 3 sites.

First thing, why is it that the St. Cloud linked pages expire before I read them?

Second thing, in 2005-2006, they followed the afternoon game of WCHA Final 5 (North Dakota against Wisconsin) with the second "half" of Miami "hosting" Northern Michigan in a CCHA Super Six semi-final. Joe Louis Arena was virtually empty. I'm assuming this is where the BIG 10 championship should be played, and JLA is a bad place for it.

(I dvrd the F5 that year and copied the games to DVD. I also dvrd the S6 game they showed, but deleted everything past the second period, so that's how I know that. The building looked like a ghost town from the little they showed on television.)

[streakygopher]

(I dvrd the F5 that year and copied the games to DVD.

Okay, how did you do this? I gots to know!

[st8ofhockey]

(I dvrd the F5 that year and copied the games to DVD.

Okay, how did you do this? I gots to know!

[Kelly Red]

(I dvrd the F5 that year and copied the games to DVD.

Okay, how did you do this? I gots to know!

that's funny.

[streakygopher]

(I dvrd the F5 that year and copied the games to DVD.

Okay, how did you do this? I gots to know!

I tip my hat, son. I've been using that one for years and most just think I gots bad english.

[Chris Eckes]

I think Wisconsin would choose St. Paul, but I would think Penn State might choose Detroit for ease travel for their fan.

FYP

[Golden FE Ranger]

I think Wisconsin would choose St. Paul, but I would think Penn State might choose Detroit for ease travel for their fan.

FYP

Don't worry about it. I checked, it can be shipped anywhere.

[LeoPohl]

(I dvrd the F5 that year and copied the games to DVD.

Okay, how did you do this? I gots to know!

Cable hook-up to my computer. I recorded the game on my computer and copied them to DVD using Media Center.

[LeoPohl]

I think Wisconsin would choose St. Paul, but I would think Penn State might choose Detroit for ease travel for their fan.

FYP

Don't worry about it. I checked, it can be shipped anywhere.

THAT is funny.

[SkiUMahLaw]

The word on Twitter [/url](from USCHO, actually) is that Versus is close to a deal with NCAA hockey to broadcast a few games.

Tweet from: @skipberryhockey

Major development in NCAA Hockey right now! Hearing from sources that Versus/NBC is close to a deal with College Hockey to air games soon.

and

Tweet from: @skipberryhockey

Versus would air a game of the week on Friday night and each conference would be featured twice (minimum), which includes the AHA. Big News!

This is hardly the "exclusive TV deal" those in the NCHC could be hoping for.

In all respects, were I the President of Television and required to pick up college hockey broadcasts, outside of the B1G (whose sheer number of alumni and hockey history make it attractive) I would be extremely interested in Hockey East with access in the bigger eastern TV markets. Sure, Fargo may tune in for a Sue-Denver series, but for TV purposes, eyeballs in Boston are still more important than eyeballs in North Dakota, no matter how loyal UND fans are. Given that Versus/NBC and Comcast are Philadelphia-centered, do you really think they're going to put much Western college hockey on TV in the markets that Comcast owns out East? Sacred Heart-Robert Morris would be more important to a network headquartered in Philly than UND-UNO ever will be.

I understand that Versus also now owns the rights to Notre Dame football reruns. While I think Notre Dame hockey will play a role, I don't see that Versus will want to be known as the Notre Dame channel. Given that Vs. already has the NHL, it would not want to be branded as the Nothing But Cults channel (NHL and Notre Dame). That and I just don't see Notre Dame alumni as being very interested in the hockey team during the middle of January-- unless the hockey team is playing for a national title or playing Michigan-- which, since Michigan never seems to leave Ann Arbor, will be on the BTN or FSN Detroit.

Any TV coverage, especially in a semi-national network like Versus, will be good for college hockey-- but this doesn't appear to be the gangbuster media deal the NCHC teams were promising. And two games per conference over the course of the season does not a national following make for a particular team.

[gator]

Sioux fans love to point out 7>5

So, 23>17

Big Ten:
Michigan - 9
Wisco - 6
GOPHERS - 5
MSU - 3

NCHC:
Denver - 7
UND - 7
CC - 2
Duluth - 1

[The Rube]

Sue fans love to point out 7>5

So, 23>17

Big Ten:
Michigan - 9
Wisco - 6
GOPHERS - 5
MSU - 3

NCHC:
Denver - 7
UND - 7
CC - 2
Duluth - 1

Why complicate things? 2>0 this century.

[george]

Sue fans love to point out 7>5

So, 23>17

Big Ten:
Michigan - 9
Wisco - 6
GOPHERS - 5
MSU - 3

NCHC:
Denver - 7
UND - 7
CC - 2
Duluth - 1

Why complicate things? 2>0 this millenium.

FYP.

[SkiUMahLaw]

Continuing in the conference realignment merry go round, perhaps Notre Dame is having second thoughts about joining the NaCHos.

Basically, the above article indicates that WMU wants to follow whatever the Golden Domers do-- but more importantly, this article gives a hint that Notre Dame may choose to go independent and try to get their own TV deal. While that would screw WMU's ability to get into Hockey East or the NCHC, it help the CCHA immensely-- and I would not be at all surprised if ND does that, gets a scheduling arrangement with the B1G, and then can schedule BC and other teams they want to play that fit their desired opponent profile. Is it a football-centric approach? Yes. Do the Irish really care that much about anything beyond football? Not really.

Basically, we all have to wait on Notre Dame for this to finish up. Ugh.

[Dances With Gophers]

Muah ha ha ha!!! I'd LOVE it if the Domers bailed on the NaCHos!

[unoono]

http://omahasteam.com/on-demand

[baseball20]

http://insidecollegehockey.com/inch/201 ... pkin_nchc/

* If you hang a banner that says “National Collegiate Champion”, do you even have to play in the NCAA tournament? At least North Dakota could win one that way.

[JWG]

http://insidecollegehockey.com/inch/2011/07/14/napkin_nchc/

* If you hang a banner that says “National Collegiate Champion”, do you even have to play in the NCAA tournament? At least North Dakota could win one that way.

* “We are exciting to announce?” With writing like that, maybe they should put St. Cloud in.

Also a favorite of mine...

[WPoS]

did they ever get their website?

W

[Jupiter]

According to the reports..... St. Cloud & Western Michigan are heading to the NCHC.

Thoughts?

[Hammy]

I think it is awesome... mainly because the leadership of the NCHC has big time egg on its face. Everybody knows they had far greater aspirations than this when it all started. It simply has not turned out that way.

[Captain]

Yeah apparently there was a letter from the office of the Athletic Director at SCSU that said they had been accepted to NCHC.
I agree, if teams like SCSU were not "good" enough to be included from the beginning it makes the NCHC look foolish. I think this is definitely a win for SCSU versus staying in the WCHA.

[SkiUMahLaw]

According to the reports..... St. Cloud & Western Michigan are heading to the NCHC.

Thoughts?

That's just awesome.

Frankly, you may see some pushback from MNSCU about SCSU joining without Mankato or Bemidji. Why would those two schools allow SCSU to move up while they are left to flounder without doing something about it?

But I love the hypocrisy on both sides of the Nodak/JBSU aisle. Just hilarious!

Perhaps the NaCHos figured out they needed SCSU's TV production team for that national TV contract they are going to be landing...any...day...now....

[Dances With Gophers]

So during which game will JBSU have a banner-raising ceremony to celebrate this achievement?

[gator]

According to the reports..... St. Cloud & Western Michigan are heading to the NCHC.

Thoughts?

If so...

BIG 10:
1) GOPHERS
2) Wisconsin
3) Michigan
4) Michigan St.
5) Ohio State
6) Penn State

NCHC:
1) Miami
2) UMD
3) Colorado College
4) Denver
5) Nebraska-Omaha
6) UND
7) St. Cloud State
8) Western Michigan

WCHA:
1) Bemidji State
2) Minnesota State
3) Alaska-Anchorage
4) Michigan Tech
5) Ferris State
6) Northern Michigan
7) Alaska (Fairbanks)
8) Lake Superior

???:
1) Bowling Green
2) Notre Dame

[Jupiter]

So as it stands now....

The WCHA in 2013-14 will only have 2 schools in their own conference that have won a WCHA league or playoff title. Michigan Tech last won the regular season WCHA title back in 1976 and Northern Michigan won it in 1991. As for the WCHA playoff title, Tech last was a co-winner (however that worked) back in 1981 and Northern won in 1992.

So they will have a league where none of the teams have won a league or playoff title in the last 20+ years.

[Jupiter]

According to the reports..... St. Cloud & Western Michigan are heading to the NCHC.

Thoughts?

If so...

WCHA:
1) Bemidji State
2) Minnesota State
3) Alaska-Anchorage
4) Michigan Tech
5) Ferris State
6) Northern Michigan
7) Alaska (Fairbanks)
8) Lake Superior

???:
1) Bowling Green
2) Notre Dame

I believe that Bowling Green will go to the WCHA.... I now wonder if the WCHA will try to save Huntsville and add them.

[SkiUMahLaw]

So as it stands now....

The WCHA in 2013-14 will only have 2 schools in their own conference that have won a WCHA league or playoff title. Michigan Tech last won the regular season WCHA title back in 1976 and Northern Michigan won it in 1991. As for the WCHA playoff title, Tech last was a co-winner (however that worked) back in 1981 and Northern won in 1992.

So they will have a league where none of the teams have won a league or playoff title in the last 20+ years.

But, with Tech, the WCHA will award this:



While the NaCHo Conference gets to keep this:

[ScoobyDoo]

So, the WCHA is becoming Atlantic Hockey West. Awesome.

[Jupiter]

Once the 2013-14 season starts..... How long will it take for a WCHA team to win a NCAA Title? If ever?

[Viking]

So as it stands now....

The WCHA in 2013-14 will only have 2 schools in their own conference that have won a WCHA league or playoff title. Michigan Tech last won the regular season WCHA title back in 1976 and Northern Michigan won it in 1991. As for the WCHA playoff title, Tech last was a co-winner (however that worked) back in 1981 and Northern won in 1992.

So they will have a league where none of the teams have won a league or playoff title in the last 20+ years.

But, with Tech, the WCHA will award this:



While the NaCHo Conference gets to keep this:

Are you sure about that? While the MacNaughton Cup is held in trust by Michigan Tech and follows them to whichever league they belong to, the Broadmoor Trophy was commissioned by the WCHA. It is not held in trust by any school.

[gator]

I know why the MacNaughton Cup. Just curious, why does the Broadmoor Trophy go to the NCHC? CC?

[Dances With Gophers]

Are you sure about that? While the MacNaughton Cup is held in trust by Michigan Tech and follows them to whichever league they belong to, the Broadmoor Trophy was commissioned by the WCHA. It is not held in trust by any school.

Isn't that pretty much what he was implying?

You two are in violent agreement!

[Armadillo]

Are you sure about that? While the MacNaughton Cup is held in trust by Michigan Tech and follows them to whichever league they belong to, the Broadmoor Trophy was commissioned by the WCHA. It is not held in trust by any school.

Isn't that pretty much what he was implying?

You two are in violent agreement!

No...Ski-u-mah's saying that the Broadmoor will go to the NCHC, and Viking's saying it stays with the WCHA.

[SkiUMahLaw]

Are you sure about that? While the MacNaughton Cup is held in trust by Michigan Tech and follows them to whichever league they belong to, the Broadmoor Trophy was commissioned by the WCHA. It is not held in trust by any school.

Isn't that pretty much what he was implying?

You two are in violent agreement!

No...Ski-u-mah's saying that the Broadmoor will go to the NCHC, and Viking's saying it stays with the WCHA.

I figured the Broadmoor would keep it with CC, but if it is indeed owned by the WCHA...well, I guess this is what the NaCHos will have to award:

[gator]

I figured the Broadmoor would keep it with CC, but if it is indeed owned by the WCHA...well, I guess this is what the NaCHos will have to award:

[Dances With Gophers]

Are you sure about that? While the MacNaughton Cup is held in trust by Michigan Tech and follows them to whichever league they belong to, the Broadmoor Trophy was commissioned by the WCHA. It is not held in trust by any school.

Isn't that pretty much what he was implying?

You two are in violent agreement!

No...Ski-u-mah's saying that the Broadmoor will go to the NCHC, and Viking's saying it stays with the WCHA.

But based on what Jup said earlier, it's a safe bet the Broadmoor will travel to the NaCHo league (with the last team to have won it), no? OR is Viking saying that it stays with the League?

The WCHA in 2013-14 will only have 2 schools in their own conference that have won a WCHA league or playoff title. Michigan Tech last won the regular season WCHA title back in 1976 and Northern Michigan won it in 1991.

[Jupiter]

I don't recall saying the Broadmoor was going anywhere..... but my memory is failing.

[Dances With Gophers]

I don't recall saying the Broadmoor was going anywhere..... but my memory is failing.

No, you didn't say that, Jup - I (mistakenly?) ASSumed that the trophy would travel with the last winner (presumedly someone a team headed for the NaCHo league)

[gator]

I'm sure the state of Iowa would let the NCHC have this trophy...

[SkiUMahLaw]

I don't recall saying the Broadmoor was going anywhere..... but my memory is failing.

No, you didn't say that, Jup - I (mistakenly?) ASSumed that the trophy would travel with the last winner (presumedly someone a team headed for the NaCHo league)

At any event, would the WCHA want to award a trophy named after a hotel in a town whose school alienated the current members and left them to die?

Then again, with who will be left in the WCHA, perhaps it is providence-- the WCHA playoff winner gets awarded this trophy to take the autobid to the NCAA...to get slaughtered by whoever they play....

[Tee09]

I'm sure the state of Iowa would let the NCHC have this trophy...

If only the dad was wearing a polaris jacket and the back of his hair was longer. The mom should be huskier as well. Corn does go into NaCHos though...

[The Rube]

SCSU looks awfully idiotic right now. NaCHo(C) comes a-groveling, and SCSU gives in to a conference that they wanted no part of not too long ago. It's a complete joke.

[sunbone]

Reading comments from the Sue fans just savaging this move on ss.com should really be in the Simple Pleasures thread. Just hilarious.

[Blueliner]

SCSU looks awfully idiotic right now. NaCHo(C) comes a-groveling, and SCSU gives in to a conference that they wanted no part of not too long ago. It's a complete joke.

I can't stand the NaCHo conference, but let's be honest here. When you take off the Maroon and Gold glasses that statment sounds awfully familiar....

[Gopher Hockey] looks awfully idiotic right now. [Big Ten] comes a-groveling, and [Gopher Hockey] gives in to a conference that they wanted no part of not too long ago. It's a complete joke.

[Viking]

SCSU looks awfully idiotic right now. NaCHo(C) comes a-groveling, and SCSU gives in to a conference that they wanted no part of not too long ago. It's a complete joke.

I can't stand the NaCHo conference, but let's be honest here. When you take off the Maroon and Gold glasses that statment sounds awfully familiar....

[Gopher Hockey] looks awfully idiotic right now. [Big Ten] comes a-groveling, and [Gopher Hockey] gives in to a conference that they wanted no part of not too long ago. It's a complete joke.

The Gophers didn't have a choice.

[The Rube]

MN had zero choice in joining the Big Ten. There's a big difference.

[Armadillo]

At any event, would the WCHA want to award a trophy named after a hotel in a town whose school alienated the current members and left them to die?

They could rename it the Houghton Super 8 Trophy...

[Viking]

At any event, would the WCHA want to award a trophy named after a hotel in a town whose school alienated the current members and left them to die?

They could rename it the Houghton Super 8 Trophy...

Name it after the KBC

[Jupiter]

So if Bowling Green does join the WCHA..... That makes it 5 CCHA teams and 4 WCHA teams in the WCHA. This is getting comical.

[SkiUMahLaw]

...and one of those WCHA teams (BSU) will only have been in the WCHA for two years...

[Bertogliat]

...and one of those WCHA teams (BSU) will only have been in the WCHA for two years...

And geographaically (ignoring the outliers) it will be more central than western.

[Jupiter]

So.... The NCHC wants to add 2 teams that have a grand total of 1 NCAA Tournament victory? Is that really what UND & DU had in mind when they started this conference?

[DrunkHockeyGuy]

Can someone change this to "new mediocre" conference now that SCSU is here? Thanks

[Chris Eckes]

Can someone change this to "new mediocre" conference now that SCSU is here? Thanks

Definition of irony right there...

[Armadillo]

Can someone change this to "new mediocre" conference now that SCSU is here? Thanks

Definition of irony right there...

Oh my ever-loving, vengeful God...

[dryfly]

According to the reports..... St. Cloud & Western Michigan are heading to the NCHC.

Thoughts?

If so...

WCHA:
1) Bemidji State
2) Minnesota State
3) Alaska-Anchorage
4) Michigan Tech
5) Ferris State
6) Northern Michigan
7) Alaska (Fairbanks)
8) Lake Superior

???:
1) Bowling Green
2) Notre Dame

I believe that Bowling Green will go to the WCHA.... I now wonder if the WCHA will try to save Huntsville and add them.

Why not? Weather is pretty sweet there in November and February [lived there as a kid - we were still picking tomatoes as late as Thanksgiving and by February I was soaked from sweat walking home - think golf hockey trip combined].

[kqcap]

glad to see the NCHC thinks they are "super" already....... sounds like SCSU is going to reject the offer.

[theskillz]

So that's what the CyHawk trophy looks like? I nearly spit my beer. Then I started thinking about all sorts of awful things that could be part of a trophy like that..

[gopher6]

According to the reports..... St. Cloud & Western Michigan are heading to the NCHC.

Thoughts?

they want to play in a competitive conference, no problem, the WCHA will be so weak after 2012 season, should just shut it down

[gator]

I might have missed this answer... but how did Omaha get into NCHC? If UND and their coronies want this elite conference (before SCSU & W. Mich), how is Omaha so elite?

[beersong]

11,000 seat arena, relatively large population area and commitment to hockey. Heck, they dropped their football and national championship wrestling teams to pour more money into hockey.

Those factors and Dean Blais' connection to the people steering the ship in Grand Forks.

So in short... $$$$.

[WPoS]

I might have missed this answer... but how did Omaha get into NCHC? If UND and their coronies want this elite conference (before SCSU & W. Mich), how is Omaha so elite?

they need a "cellar dweller" to make themselves feel better.

W