We're charter members of the Women's WCHA. Over the years I've put up a number of posts arguing that we should stay put, and I've haven't changed my mind. I'm not sure the topic needs to be fully revisited here, but just to quickly list a few highlights:
1. We're now in our 12th year in the league. That's a tradition worth keeping and building on. Yes, we're surrounded by chaos, and that obviously includes Men's D-1. But stability in conference affiliation remains a good thing.
2. No disrespect to any of the other Women's D-1 leagues; they all have their selling points. But we're already part of the best league and shouldn't give that up, IMHO.
3. We should continue in-league rivalries with fellow Big Ten members Minnesota & Wisconsin. As far as I'm concerned, the only reason to leave the Women's WCHA would be to join a Women's BTHC. And that particular development doesn't appear to be imminent.
I could go on and on. As the longtimers on the board know, I sometimes do.
But as for the advantages of the WCHA, that'll suffice for now.
As for the CHA, I've enjoyed our games with those schools and hope we continue to compete regularly in non-conference action. But on the travel factor, the only advantage is budgetary. Air travel to the Twin Cities or Madison vs. a Bus Trip to State College, PA? The bus trip is clearly cheaper, but the flights are actually easier.
The addition of Penn State to the CHA is very interesting, and does give one pause to consider. Nevertheless, my vote is to remain true to our current conference mates.