First, I'm told this is far from being a done deal. Still, if ASU is added, in considering the recent on ice success, as well as minimizing any increases in travel, Mankato certainly makes sense as a 10th team. Then again, considering recent comments by some close to the program about the level of concern/frustration regarding the increases in expenses, along with their recent on ice success and improvement of the travel expense situations of both Miami and Western, it can easily be argued that Bowling Green makes as much if not more sense. Especially since just a few weeks ago, I made a case for why, due to the very significant increases in expenses that both Miami and Western are experiencing, they could be considering a move back to a reborn CCHA or, the current WCHA. Well, very recently I was informed that the fee to leave the NCHC is in the $1.5 million dollar range. If that's accurate -- and I believe it to be so -- then that certainly changes the likelihood of either school leaving the NCHC -- at least in the near future. So, adding BG would certainly help those two schools. Is that offset by adding ASU? That obviously depends on whether the NCHC can get ASU to agree to a travel subsidy.
Plus, I would think that joining the NCHC would probably lead to an improvement in the overall level of recruits for BG. And, with that, a possible increased level of success. Is it possible there could be enough momentum within a few years to get a new building thus strengthening the program even more? Finally, politics are always out there. Considering the current NCHC commissioner "came from" Miami, is it possible that relationship could affect a final decision on which team gets added? Then again, they could just simply wait until a truly bigger name school -- Arizona, UNLV, Oregon, or maybe even Colorado State or the Univ. of Colorado adds a program.... time will tell.
EDIT: Just read the NCHC tweet from Josh Fenton. Certainly seems to confirm things aren't quite finalized. And, at least he's giving the appearance of taking the proper tone regarding any future conference decisions.
