The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

[uaafanblog]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

Yeah, its called the "Beanpot".

Yeah um ... much more than just that tournament.

But it's a fine example of the sort of flexibility that extra non-conference games can give to a school. I'm sure you're aware that playing in Alaska means the games are exempt. Are you aware that there are other tournaments in the NCAA which are also exempt? There's no reason a school like UAH and it's very appealing winter weather couldn't put together a tournament which would get exempt status for one example and easily attract Big10 opponents ... why else would Big10 schools already be calling UAA and UAF hoping to get into their exempt tournaments in the future?

There's lots of possibilities for creativity if a school or coach is just willing to explore the options. Limiting yourself for no good reason is for fools.

Also ... an 18 game conference schedule would stop all the whining about possibly having to go to Alaska twice in one season. Nobody would ever go there twice during a regular season.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

Yeah um ... much more than just that tournament.

But it's a fine example of the sort of flexibility that extra non-conference games can give to a school. I'm sure you're aware that playing in Alaska means the games are exempt. Are you aware that there are other tournaments in the NCAA which are also exempt? There's no reason a school like UAH and it's very appealing winter weather couldn't put together a tournament which would get exempt status for one example and easily attract Big10 opponents ... why else would Big10 schools already be calling UAA and UAF hoping to get into their exempt tournaments in the future?

There's lots of possibilities for creativity if a school or coach is just willing to explore the options. Limiting yourself for no good reason is for fools.

Also ... an 18 game conference schedule would stop all the whining about possibly having to go to Alaska twice in one season. Nobody would ever go there twice during a regular season.

Are you aware that you are WRONG? The ONLY exempt regular season games are the ones that take place against and alaska school in alaska, vs US-18 team, vs a foreign team (1) and in the Ice Breaker. The Ice Breaker is the ONLY exempt tournament. I think the WCHA should do a 24 game schedule, 10-12 non-conference games is plenty, any more and we risk having to play meaningless NC games against each other or playing too many games away from home.

 

[UncleRay]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

Yeah um ... much more than just that tournament.

Nice snark. Hockey East teams do not typically play each other outside of the Beanpot. And, this year, UHN and UMass might meet in the second round of the Ledyard Bank Classic, which doesn't come anyway close to "much more than just that tournament." So, wrong again.

 

[UncleRay]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

Wait, maybe tDonald was referring to all those non-con games that Hockey East teams play against each other in March. What do they call it? The league tournament??

 

[uaafanblog]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

The Florida Classic tournament was exempt; The Ice Breaker is exempt, I was pretty sure at some point that the Mariucci was an exempt tournament and how about the notre dame thing in chicago this winter??? ... the rules have changed perhaps because of D1 basketballs over use of this exempt tournament rule but that doesn't mean it still can't be used to hockey's advantage (I cannot find the specifics in the NCAA guide).... Anyway it's a matter of applying and meet the criteria (whatever that is). And even if it can't be exempted UAH would be well-advised to look into having a tournament once they gain conference membership.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

The Florida Classic tournament was exempt; The Ice Breaker is exempt, I was pretty sure at some point that the Mariucci was an exempt tournament and how about the notre dame thing in chicago this winter??? ... the rules have changed perhaps because of D1 basketballs over use of this exempt tournament rule but that doesn't mean it still can't be used to hockey's advantage (I cannot find the specifics in the NCAA guide).... Anyway it's a matter of applying and meet the criteria (whatever that is). And even if it can't be exempted UAH would be well-advised to look into having a tournament once they gain conference membership.

I looked in to this about 2 years ago and it comes up regularly, I did forget one exempt game, the Hall of Fame game, which is a single game, not a tournament. The changes happen around the same time that UAA & UAF agreed to play in each other's tournaments and the tournaments became fixed because the tournaments were no longer exempt, and for the games to be exempt, the lower 48 teams needed to play an Alaska team, not just play a game in Alaska.

 

[RaceBoarder]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

The Florida Classic tournament was exempt; The Ice Breaker is exempt, I was pretty sure at some point that the Mariucci was an exempt tournament and how about the notre dame thing in chicago this winter??? ... the rules have changed perhaps because of D1 basketballs over use of this exempt tournament rule but that doesn't mean it still can't be used to hockey's advantage (I cannot find the specifics in the NCAA guide).... Anyway it's a matter of applying and meet the criteria (whatever that is). And even if it can't be exempted UAH would be well-advised to look into having a tournament once they gain conference membership.

Since when is the Hockey City Classic exempt??? Those are all regular conference games......

 

[aparch]

Since when is the Hockey City Classic exempt??? Those are all regular conference games......

Since Donald wanted it to be.

I do recall this being discussed, if not in the pages of this thread, I know it came up in the first WCHA thread.

If the WCHA (and/or AHA) reduce their conference schedule, it's going to open up the NCHC and B1G teams to want 2-for-1 deals to fill the WCHA teams non-conference schedule. Which reduces the amount of home games your fans are at games.

Oh right, people already don't show up to UAA games so what's the difference.



[Knows full well attendance is an issue at NMU]

 

[MinnesotaNorthStar]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

Donald is thinking of the ECAC, I believe. Most non-conference games happen in the beginning of the season, and the Ivies don't start until much later than everyone else, thus most non-conference games are done leaving them with only themselves to play against.

Either way...I hate playing non-conference games against conference opponents.

 

[manurespreader]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

Didn't the league already announce how many conference games they would be playing?
I like 24 games and I like the pods. I think if you did that maybe, just maybe you could not have the two alaska teams playing each other in the playoffs.
Donald, I like your ideas, and you are right it brings opportunity, however give the AD's credit, they are smart guys who do figure things out eventually. If it's something that would work, they will consider it.
Overall though, I think less that 24 league games is unrealistic.

 

[beaverhockeyfan]

Didn't the league already announce how many conference games they would be playing?
I like 24 games and I like the pods. I think if you did that maybe, just maybe you could not have the two alaska teams playing each other in the playoffs.
Donald, I like your ideas, and you are right it brings opportunity, however give the AD's credit, they are smart guys who do figure things out eventually. If it's something that would work, they will consider it.
Overall though, I think less that 24 league games is unrealistic.

The league did announce a 28 game schedule for next season with the 9 teams. If Bowling Green bolts before then, everyone can play everyone else four times.

 

[aygwm2]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

If Bowling Green bolts before then

Does anyone know what the likelihood of BG bolting is? Would another conference be able to fit them into scheduling at this point, further on, or even after the current season? How far in advance do these leagues schedule so that schools can plan logistics, etc.?

 

[aparch]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

Does anyone know what the likelihood of BG bolting is? Would another conference be able to fit them into scheduling at this point, further on, or even after the current season? How far in advance do these leagues schedule so that schools can plan logistics, etc.?

I haven't heard, but I would think that it's low right now. Unless they want to limit costs and cutting scholarships by jumping to the AHA would be a big cost savings.

Generally, the schedule is penciled in a year in advance. Fine details (swapping of weekends, etc) get hammered out in the spring/summer. Non-conference games are generally scheduled two to three years out. For the most part, it's up to the schools to put the pieces together after they're given the framework of league play. There was a bit of a gap between NMU and Wisconsin's non-conference re-match because neither school could piece themselves together for a few years.

Well, that's how it was for the CCHA. Not sure how restrictive the WCHA will be when it comes to scheduling.



One thing that the CCHA tried to do, but I've heard coaches don't really care is "balanced scheduling." The coaches know there will be some unbalanced schedules due to the size of the league, and for the most part they're okay with that.

 

[JohnsonsJerseys]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

I believe he means that Michigan Tech created LSSU...

So I guess the phrase "Who's your Daddy?" really does play in this case.
I think the creative minds of the Tech Pep Band could take this in about 100 directions it shouldn't go... Some of which really hang over "the line" but never cross it completely.

Ryan J

 

[uaafanblog]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

When I post in these threads, my main concern is and always has been equity for UAA (it happens now that UAF is included). I understand both these schools are regional outliers but it's their commitment to the game that deserves some appreciation. Alaska is an effed up place ... it's the only state that doesn't have a Division 1 school and there really is no interest from the legislature or university regents to fund the sports programs properly at their only two schools that have any sports programs. Even Wyoming spends more money on it's sports than Alaska does. And Alaska has a 40 billion dollar savings account. That of course isn't anyone's problem but Alaska.

I appreciate that that the NCAA created the Hawaii/Alaska exemption system to help enable better scheduling across all sports but it really hasn't solved the issues (especially in hockey where both UAA and UAF still pay ... and will continue to pay ... large sums for every opponent that travels there). Things like forcing them into two different leagues when the CCHA and WCHA "saved" them and the unintentional yet draconian limitation of 6 non-conference games a year when every other league member is playing 8 or more, the latest designated playoff nonsense and discussion of once again separating the only meaningful rivalry that either school will EVER have through this "pod crappola" are all the things that create unfairness. That is and will continue to be my primary agenda insuch issues.

I also understand the current reality that 18 games may seem to few to many. That's why I vigorously try to imagine ways in which such a system is more palatable.

Equity is a mandatory and primary tenet of sports competition and in a sports league (the NCAA) where the big ponds always get the big fish it should receive attention.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

Donald, I think you best bet is the crossover divisional brought up.
West: BSU, MSU, MTU, NMU, UAA
East: UAH, BGSU, FSU, LSSU, UAF
With a designated rival in the other division. But that puts us at 28

 

[manurespreader]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

Donald, I think you best bet is the crossover divisional brought up.
West: BSU, MSU, MTU, NMU, UAA
East: UAH, BGSU, FSU, LSSU, UAF
With a designated rival in the other division. But that puts us at 28

I agree but would also like to know if this would result in only one trip to alaska for the divisional foes. if that is the case, then you could make an argument that any second trip would be for the playoffs and thus it would eliminate the playoff BS we have now, would it not.

The objection before was that no one wanted to make three trips, so two would seem ok, even if it means short notice travel.

 

[beaverhockeyfan]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

I agree but would also like to know if this would result in only one trip to alaska for the divisional foes. if that is the case, then you could make an argument that any second trip would be for the playoffs and thus it would eliminate the playoff BS we have now, would it not.

The objection before was that no one wanted to make three trips, so two would seem ok, even if it means short notice travel.

In the playoff structure, wouldn't the league pick up the flight fees, so schools wouldn't incur the costs of the trip, just the time involved. If so, the league could work out a deal to "pre-book" 30 tickets (or whatever the number would be) from MSP or Detroit to Anchorage. I chose Anchorage since most of the talk I have seen about flying to Fairbanks requires a plane change in Anchorage.

I still like the idea someone threw out a while ago about trying to set up a deal with a charter company like some of the Basketball leagues do. I know Bemidji's Airport can handle the charter planes that the NCAA books for the hockey teams, UAH's airport would be able to handle it, as would Anchorage and Fairbanks. Not sure what Bowling Green has for an airport, but Toledo is just up the road and wouldn't be that tough of a haul. Same with Mankato, but MSP is only an hour and a half away. Big Rapids, Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette and Houghton, what is your airport situation like?

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

In the playoff structure, wouldn't the league pick up the flight fees, so schools wouldn't incur the costs of the trip, just the time involved. If so, the league could work out a deal to "pre-book" 30 tickets (or whatever the number would be) from MSP or Detroit to Anchorage. I chose Anchorage since most of the talk I have seen about flying to Fairbanks requires a plane change in Anchorage.

I still like the idea someone threw out a while ago about trying to set up a deal with a charter company like some of the Basketball leagues do. I know Bemidji's Airport can handle the charter planes that the NCAA books for the hockey teams, UAH's airport would be able to handle it, as would Anchorage and Fairbanks. Not sure what Bowling Green has for an airport, but Toledo is just up the road and wouldn't be that tough of a haul. Same with Mankato, but MSP is only an hour and a half away. Big Rapids, Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette and Houghton, what is your airport situation like?

It would not because whoever is in a given division would always go to UAF or UAA and then go to the other school every other season...
24 game schedule with designated rivals would probably be the best for limiting double travel to alaska without taking the extreme of an 18 or 20 game conference schedule.

 

[UAHStatman]

Re: The New WCHA 2, The Electric Boogaloo (2013-14)

I agree but would also like to know if this would result in only one trip to alaska for the divisional foes. if that is the case, then you could make an argument that any second trip would be for the playoffs and thus it would eliminate the playoff BS we have now, would it not.

The objection before was that no one wanted to make three trips, so two would seem ok, even if it means short notice travel.

Everyone would have to go to Alaska twice every other year. For example, Michigan Tech would have to go to Anchorage (in division) every year, and go to Fairbanks (out of division) every other year.