Future of the ccha????

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: Future of the ccha????

Kent State and Ohio both have varsity-club ACHA DI teams. One of Ohio's biggest rivals in the ACHA is Penn State so their ticket revenue will drop at the club level after usually selling out against the Icers. And both still have on-campus ice arenas. Kent State's was actually renovated, I'm thinking about 10 yrs ago, well after they left NCAA hockey. Facilities are some of the biggest hurdles of new programs, ice arenas are expensive to build but also maintain compared to a football or soccer pitch that can be used for tons of sports. With Kent State and Ohio both having facilities all they'd need is to clear Title IX issues and also gain money for scholarships.

Uhm, not exactly...those facilities for the most part wouldn't even be in the middle of the pack for AHA schools.

 

[sbkbghockey]

Re: Future of the ccha????

Uhm, not exactly...those facilities for the most part wouldn't even be in the middle of the pack for AHA schools.

Not the top of the AHA but middle and low of the AHA schools.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_State_University_Ice_Arena

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossian_C._Bird_Arena#External_links

 

[sideshowbob]

Re: Future of the ccha????

The one thing I don't understand is why the WCHA would be interested in Alaska-Fairbanks. Inviting Northern Mich to get to 6 teams is perfectly logical -- geography, history, and such. Inviting LSSU would make sense. But why UAF?

I mean, obviously UAA would push for them. But what is in it for the other 4 (current) members of the WCHA in the lower 48? With 6-8 teams, you are talking about playing every other team home and away every season. Two trips up to Alaska every year doesn't really help any of the teams -- the extra games only applies for one trip. Even with the UAF covering the travel costs, it's still inconvenient to say the least and surely adds some expense to the budget over playing more local opponents. I don't understand what would be the motivation of the other WCHA to invite UAF.

If both the WCHA and CCHA persist -- and I'm of the mind that two smaller leagues with 2 autobids and potentially smaller travel costs makes more sense that one larger combined league -- then it makes more sense for UAA and UAF to remain in their current leagues.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: Future of the ccha????

The one thing I don't understand is why the WCHA would be interested in Alaska-Fairbanks. Inviting Northern Mich to get to 6 teams is perfectly logical -- geography, history, and such. Inviting LSSU would make sense. But why UAF?

I mean, obviously UAA would push for them. But what is in it for the other 4 (current) members of the WCHA in the lower 48? With 6-8 teams, you are talking about playing every other team home and away every season. Two trips up to Alaska every year doesn't really help any of the teams -- the extra games only applies for one trip. Even with the UAF covering the travel costs, it's still inconvenient to say the least and surely adds some expense to the budget over playing more local opponents. I don't understand what would be the motivation of the other WCHA to invite UAF.

If both the WCHA and CCHA persist -- and I'm of the mind that two smaller leagues with 2 autobids and potentially smaller travel costs makes more sense that one larger combined league -- then it makes more sense for UAA and UAF to remain in their current leagues.

I believe the bolded part is not true...unless you can prove otherwise.

 

[davyd83]

Re: Future of the ccha????

The one thing I don't understand is why the WCHA would be interested in Alaska-Fairbanks. Inviting Northern Mich to get to 6 teams is perfectly logical -- geography, history, and such. Inviting LSSU would make sense. But why UAF?

I mean, obviously UAA would push for them. But what is in it for the other 4 (current) members of the WCHA in the lower 48? With 6-8 teams, you are talking about playing every other team home and away every season. Two trips up to Alaska every year doesn't really help any of the teams -- the extra games only applies for one trip. Even with the UAF covering the travel costs, it's still inconvenient to say the least and surely adds some expense to the budget over playing more local opponents. I don't understand what would be the motivation of the other WCHA to invite UAF.

If both the WCHA and CCHA persist -- and I'm of the mind that two smaller leagues with 2 autobids and potentially smaller travel costs makes more sense that one larger combined league -- then it makes more sense for UAA and UAF to remain in their current leagues.

That is incorrect. In the 2006-7 season, Nebraska-Omaha played 38 regular season games. The allotted 34 plus two in Anchorage in October in the Nye Classic and two more in Fairbanks in February. They played their full 28 game CCHA schedule plus 10 non-conference games: CC and UAA in the Nye, Niagara and NMU in the Maverick showdown, 2 each with Minnesota State and Bentley and one each with Princeton and Yale.

 

[GOAGG]

Re: Future of the ccha????

The one thing I don't understand is why the WCHA would be interested in Alaska-Fairbanks. Inviting Northern Mich to get to 6 teams is perfectly logical -- geography, history, and such. Inviting LSSU would make sense. But why UAF?

I mean, obviously UAA would push for them. But what is in it for the other 4 (current) members of the WCHA in the lower 48? With 6-8 teams, you are talking about playing every other team home and away every season. Two trips up to Alaska every year doesn't really help any of the teams -- the extra games only applies for one trip. Even with the UAF covering the travel costs, it's still inconvenient to say the least and surely adds some expense to the budget over playing more local opponents. I don't understand what would be the motivation of the other WCHA to invite UAF.

If both the WCHA and CCHA persist -- and I'm of the mind that two smaller leagues with 2 autobids and potentially smaller travel costs makes more sense that one larger combined league -- then it makes more sense for UAA and UAF to remain in their current leagues.

Not to be a downer here, but LSSU would be over 11 1/2 hr bus rides for Mankato and BSU. I don't know if that would fit into the lower travel cost profile. UAF pays for the visiting teams air and hotel currently is why. UAA pays for half of the visiting team and would benefit from the rivalry.

 

[Jimjamesak]

Re: Future of the ccha????

The one thing I don't understand is why the WCHA would be interested in Alaska-Fairbanks. Inviting Northern Mich to get to 6 teams is perfectly logical -- geography, history, and such. Inviting LSSU would make sense. But why UAF?

I mean, obviously UAA would push for them. But what is in it for the other 4 (current) members of the WCHA in the lower 48? With 6-8 teams, you are talking about playing every other team home and away every season. Two trips up to Alaska every year doesn't really help any of the teams -- the extra games only applies for one trip. Even with the UAF covering the travel costs, it's still inconvenient to say the least and surely adds some expense to the budget over playing more local opponents. I don't understand what would be the motivation of the other WCHA to invite UAF.

If both the WCHA and CCHA persist -- and I'm of the mind that two smaller leagues with 2 autobids and potentially smaller travel costs makes more sense that one larger combined league -- then it makes more sense for UAA and UAF to remain in their current leagues.

Ok, plenty to disprove in this statement. First of all, teams get exemptions for any game played in Alaska. Any. 4, 5, 12, it doesn't matter they are all exempt. The one catch is that is must be against either UAA or UAF to count, which is why if you come to the Kendall or Brice you play UAA and UAF.

Other than that, why would the WCHA teams want UAF in the league? Well you answered part of it, they cover travel costs for teams. The other teams are happy because most of the travel expenses are covered by UAA and UAF, and UAA and UAF have real good relationships with Delta and Alaska Airlines which further reduces travel cost. Also, UAA and UAF are very stable programs. I know this may seem shocking to the ignorant but Alaska isn't bleeding money like other states and both schools have made it clear that hockey is number 1 and not going anywhere. With the way things have gone that is an important factor. LSSU may seem like a better option but they have been tagged to have their program dropped before, why add a team that may not be there in 5 years? (This is of course not my wish, I like LSSU and hope they join the WCHA as well). Also UAA and UAF are very good Non-conference negotiators. Both the Kendall and the Brice have never really had what one would consider "weak fields". When it comes down to schedule upwards of 10 NC games, teams that have a lot to offer like UAA and UAF may also be inclined to help their conference buddies as well.

The last factor: rivalries. College sports is all about rivalries and the attention they attract. The Governor's Cup series attracts a reasonable amount of attention in the college hockey media, as does the Tech-Northern rivalry. It benefits all conference members when attention is focused on a conference rivalry, and at this point the Governor's Cup series may be the biggest the WCHA will have.

 

[fangers]

Re: Future of the ccha????

Anybody hearing anything about BG moving to Atlantic Hockey? I heard it yesterday but this person's history is sketchy when it comes to rumors and I hadn't seen that possibility discussed here where the prevailing assumption had been western AHA teams might go to CCHA. I countered about the scholarship limits, but he came back with AHA could use member(s) looking to raise it. ??

 

[RMUColonials]

Re: Future of the ccha????

Anybody hearing anything about BG moving to Atlantic Hockey? I heard it yesterday but this person's history is sketchy when it comes to rumors and I hadn't seen that possibility discussed here where the prevailing assumption had been western AHA teams might go to CCHA. I countered about the scholarship limits, but he came back with AHA could use member(s) looking to raise it. ??

AHA is already at 12 teams. I can't see the conference wanting to go to 13 or 14 teams.

 

[Congo99]

Re: Future of the ccha????

the future will be without NMU apparently.... http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/564633.html

 

[bigmrg74]

Re: Future of the ccha????

Not to be a downer here, but LSSU would be over 11 1/2 hr bus rides for Mankato and BSU. I don't know if that would fit into the lower travel cost profile. UAF pays for the visiting teams air and hotel currently is why. UAA pays for half of the visiting team and would benefit from the rivalry.

Think of it this way, not counting the Alaska schools, as those are clearly flights, what would be the average bus trip for all the teams in the new WCHA plus NMU, and then figure out the average distance between the Soo and Ferris, Bowling Green, Alabama-Huntsville, Mercyhurst, and a few other Western New York schools as well. I'm assuming you wouldn't have that much problems with finding hockey players that would come to the Soo that would have problems crossing the border often, so you can use the Ontario shortcut for that math.

Something tells me that the miles logged for the new WCHA would work out to be shorter for LSSU. A pity though, because whatever dreams I have personally for College Hockey at GVSU pretty much now rest squarely on whatever happens to Ferris and Bowling Green right now. They remain afloat, then GVSU has a good shot for finding a decent conference once I hit that big Lotto ticket.

 

[giwan]

Re: Future of the ccha????

AHA is already at 12 teams. I can't see the conference wanting to go to 13 or 14 teams.

I would think the AHA may see a few teams move out before more move in.

 

[Wol4ine]

Re: Future of the ccha????

the future will be without NMU apparently.... http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/564633.html

Something smells fishy in the UP. The WCHA is announcing a new member friday. Note, singular, ONE new member. While it was just this morning that Northern Michigan University's Board of Trustees approved a proposal which allows the athletic department to formally pursue admission into the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. It sounds like the WCHA have a done deal, while NMU is just starting the process. First, It states that NMU hasn't been 'formally' invited. Second, can I infer that since the report originated in Anchorage, that the new member is also from Alaska??

Personnaly, I'd rather have NMU go west than ND. If ND and WMU stay put, both the WCHA and CCHA can continue on. Either way, the WCHA needs one more team, and that is likely coming from the CCHA.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: Future of the ccha????

Something smells fishy in the UP. The WCHA is announcing a new member friday. Note, singular, ONE new member. While it was just this morning that Northern Michigan University's Board of Trustees approved a proposal which allows the athletic department to formally pursue admission into the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. It sounds like the WCHA have a done deal, while NMU is just starting the process. First, It states that NMU hasn't been 'formally' invited. Second, can I infer that since the report originated in Anchorage, that the new member is also from Alaska??

Personnaly, I'd rather have NMU go west than ND. If ND and WMU stay put, both the WCHA and CCHA can continue on. Either way, the WCHA needs one more team, and that is likely coming from the CCHA.

If ND had any intentions of staying why would Miami bolt? seriously...

 

[davyd83]

Re: Future of the ccha????

Something smells fishy in the UP. The WCHA is announcing a new member friday. Note, singular, ONE new member. While it was just this morning that Northern Michigan University's Board of Trustees approved a proposal which allows the athletic department to formally pursue admission into the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. It sounds like the WCHA have a done deal, while NMU is just starting the process. First, It states that NMU hasn't been 'formally' invited. Second, can I infer that since the report originated in Anchorage, that the new member is also from Alaska??

Personnaly, I'd rather have NMU go west than ND. If ND and WMU stay put, both the WCHA and CCHA can continue on. Either way, the WCHA needs one more team, and that is likely coming from the CCHA.

It's very unlikely that either Notre Dame or WMU stays in the CCHA. Notre Dame is either headed to Hockey East or the new NCHC. Western is campaigning hard to get out of the CCHA. If Notre Dame goes to the NCHC, Western is likely right behind them. If the Irish head for Hockey East, then if Western doesn't go there with them, look for them to apply to the WCHA as a last resort.

 

[greenG]

Re: Future of the ccha????

It's very unlikely that either Notre Dame or WMU stays in the CCHA. Notre Dame is either headed to Hockey East or the new NCHC. Western is campaigning hard to get out of the CCHA. If Notre Dame goes to the NCHC, Western is likely right behind them. If the Irish head for Hockey East, then if Western doesn't go there with them, look for them to apply to the WCHA as a last resort.

In the new WCHA, Kalamazoo would be a major market.

 

[Wisconsin Wildcat]

Re: Future of the ccha????

The future of the CCHA?

Remove one C. There's your answer.

The Big Ten Hockey Conference that was the bane of every USCHO poster has now come to be. Rumors are swirling almost every year that they're going to eventually put NCAA teams into the EA sports NHL franchise. The apocalypse is upon us. When I became a college hockey fan over a dozen years ago, I would have never predicted this. What would be an absolute crime is to see a CCHA program fold over this.

 

[LSSULaker889294]

Re: Future of the ccha????

In the new WCHA, Kalamazoo would be a major market.

The Minnesota schools would have an issue with the long travel. The WCHA won't accept them if the Broncos apply.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Future of the ccha????

If ND had any intentions of staying why would Miami bolt? seriously...

ND has said they expect to change conference affiliations

The Minnesota schools would have an issue with the long travel. The WCHA won't accept them if the Broncos apply.

Correct and unlike other conferences, having a school in what for others is hockey rich southern Michigan means nothing to them. They simply don't need them.

 

[davyd83]

Re: Future of the ccha????

The future of the CCHA?

Remove one C. There's your answer.

The Big Ten Hockey Conference that was the bane of every USCHO poster has now come to be. Rumors are swirling almost every year that they're going to eventually put NCAA teams into the EA sports NHL franchise. The apocalypse is upon us. When I became a college hockey fan over a dozen years ago, I would have never predicted this. What would be an absolute crime is to see a CCHA program fold over this.

That's I've often labeled them the (C)CHA