Guesses on conference? Once they get going,they'd be a natural rival to Neumann
See below.
The only other option I see is if the MAC finally pulls the trigger.
They have five core members with Stevenson, Manhattanville, Wilkes, LVC and Kings. Bryn Athyn could be an easy addition as an associate member and perhaps Neumann as well?
I think that the UCHC will split into 2 divisions, where you would play the teams in your division twice and the other division once.
If the MAC forms their own conference, then Elmira, Hobart, Utica, Nazareth, and Chatham would again be stuck without an autobid. Although, if NYU ever commits, then just 1 more would be needed.
With the loss of UNE, Daniel Webster and rumored departure of St. Mike's and St. A's, the NEHC would be at 7. Add Elmira, Hobart, Utica, Nazareth and Chatham and you have an even 12. Those 5 along with Skidmore could be a western division with Norwich, Castleton, UMass-Boston, Babson, USM and NEC as an eastern division.
Also, the article announcing their jump to varsity status implies they're going to stick with their open-air rink. I hope they do. I think that's awesome.
I don't think trips to Pittsburgh from Vermont and Maine are happening anytime soon for conference games.
Fixed the linkThey already have an on-campus ice rink, but is it still an open air rink?
https://www.google.com/search?q=jun...AUIBygB&biw=375&bih=559#imgrc=tnY7CgdSkWoaRM:
^^^ Thanks!
I know up into the 90's there were still some D3 schools in the Eastern region with open air facilities. Closest I ever came to that experience in the Western region at that time was at St. Mary's; the visitors locker room used to be in a different building and you had to walk on rubber mats outside to get into the rink.
