Re: NCHC: The Most Elite Conference in the Country
I would agree with that. The problem with the Big Ten decision they are the primary conference for all the members playing in the WCHA and CCHA. That is why imo i can't be their fault it's the history of the Big Ten coming into play. I agree everybody should have waited and sat down to figure this thing out before jumping around.
My thoughts are that the Big 10 set off a chain reaction, but the members were basically forced into joining together (throw in nearly 100 years of history in every other sport, along with significant college hockey history, and it sort of makes sense).
Would it have been nice if everyone would have waited to see how it would play out? Definitely.
Should we blame schools looking out for their own interests? IMO, no.
Is college hockey going to be a disaster following the changes? IMO, I don't see much changing. The big schools will not make the NCAA Tournament as often (including the B1G and the NCHC), while schools in the nWCHA might see a few more trips to the NCAA Tournament as a result...especially when you factor in the combined history of the schools in the nWCHA.
Alaska - last NCAA Appearance: 2010 (only appearance ever)
Alaska Anchorage - last NCAA Appearance: 1992
Bemidji State - last NCAA Appearance: 2010 (4 appearances since joining D-1)
Bowling Green - last NCAA Appearance: 1990
Ferris State - last NCAA Appearance: 2012 (2 appearances in school history)
Lake Superior State - last NCAA Appearance: 1996
Michigan Tech - last NCAA Appearance: 1981
Minnesota State Mankato - last NCAA Appearance: 2003 (only appearance ever)
Northern Michigan - last NCAA Appearance: 2010
The last time any of these teams were dominant was LSSU in the early 1990s. Since their last trip in 1996, these 9 teams have combined for 10 NCAA Tournament trips in 16 seasons, 4 of which were by Bemidji State when they were in the CHA. While the schools will obviously have financial struggles by not playing the "big boys" as often, I think success on the ice is just as important as who the other team is. Plus, with the "big boys" knocking each other out more often, the nWCHA stands to benefit, perhaps sending 2-3 teams (similar to the ECAC) to the National Tournament. Obviously, this is the glass half-full approach, but it is important to recognize that there are potential benefits to the new conference structure.
Ultimately, I wish UND would have stayed in the WCHA, but they didn't. It's been nearly a year since the announcement of the NCHC...we need to come to accept what the college hockey landscape is rather than rail on these teams for jumping ship...this "deal" could very well turn out to be in your school's favor.