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The New WCHA (2013-14)

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Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

After checking out the USHL channel on Roku. The New WCHA really needs to get that done. Watching that many conference games would be awesome.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

With the WIAA possibly moving the state basketball finals to the Resch Center from Madison, won't that put a major monkey wrench in the Green Bay option for the WCHA finals? Actually I don't even know if they would land on the same weekend or not. Does anybody have more details?
 
NMUFAN said:
With the WIAA possibly moving the state basketball finals to the Resch Center from Madison, won't that put a major monkey wrench in the Green Bay option for the WCHA finals? Actually I don't even know if they would land on the same weekend or not. Does anybody have more details?
Click to expand...
Maybe, but that conflict was with the WCHA first round, not the weekend of the finals.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

Excellent article. Although we do have great broadcasters here at BSU with Lakeland Public Television, I do agree that using the broadcasting student body seems like a natural choice. Would bring a lot of exposure to would be play by play and color commentators. If the broadcasts could stay "league first" and stay away from broadcasts that are biased toward one school over another, sounds like a great idea.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

true2BSU said:
Excellent article. Although we do have great broadcasters here at BSU with Lakeland Public Television, I do agree that using the broadcasting student body seems like a natural choice. Would bring a lot of exposure to would be play by play and color commentators. If the broadcasts could stay "league first" and stay away from broadcasts that are biased toward one school over another, sounds like a great idea.
Click to expand...

Interesting idea, and one that makes sense especially at colleges with strong broadcasting programs (NMU comes to mind, with WNMU-FM and TV.) Tech doesn't have such a program, though we could probably do well with a combination of students and the Mix93 crew. I do think it would be worthwhile for the league to hire a few known hockey personalities though, whether in-house or by contract, and send them to a "showcase" game every week to do the broadcast with the regular crew.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

Beer Pong Horn said:
Interesting idea, and one that makes sense especially at colleges with strong broadcasting programs (NMU comes to mind, with WNMU-FM and TV.) Tech doesn't have such a program, though we could probably do well with a combination of students and the Mix93 crew. I do think it would be worthwhile for the league to hire a few known hockey personalities though, whether in-house or by contract, and send them to a "showcase" game every week to do the broadcast with the regular crew.
Click to expand...

Woog-a-week? I'd tune to in to see him ramble from "new" WCHA locations each week.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

It is a great article and I agree with what others have said. My only change to his suggestion would be that people could watch games after they have been recorded too (though that may be implied). This would of course be included in the season package and if you buy a weekend or a game you either would always have access or maybe access for 2 weeks or something. But say you buy a LSSU vs NMU game one day and later hear that the TECH vs Bowling Green game was really good, if you wanted to go back and buy it at a reduced price a week or two later you could and have one-time access or for a week or something. There are lots of options. The higher the availability though the better it will be.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

For NMU, I really think they need to jump on this, but the lack of funding/support (polite way of saying they're too afraid of losing current donors on a highly potential money losing situation) for WNMU TV13 Public Broadcasting really hamstrings the opportunity. The lack of students over breaks/holidays means that there needs to be some adult staff or volunteers who will be at the games to start the season, and over breaks. WNMU TV is already spread pretty thin (even before I graduated), and this would be an additional drain on resources (people/funding).

Donors, or a couple corporate sponsors, might really be helpful in driving this.

Ideally, the AD's from a couple of resourceful schools (UAA/MTU with the better streaming feed, NMU/BSU (and FSU?) with the production ability (local PBS) would get together and discuss what they need. Bemidji may be able to show NMU just how feasible the broadcasts are to get them on air even. Ideal sources would be to contact representatives from NewLion about their service (UAA uses 'em, the AHL, etc.) and also from MLB and NHL about their services.


I already shell out the $7 or whatever it is for the B2 feed occasionally. I pay $18 a month for my XM radio service to get commercial free music, NHL and MLB games. I would happily buy a package from the new WCHA if it was broadcast quality (Standard Definition even) for the Wells Fargo WCHA Video Player presented by Red Baron if I could get every Wildcat game. Make it reasonable enough where I want all the other games along with my team.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

aparch said:
For NMU, I really think they need to jump on this, but the lack of funding/support (polite way of saying they're too afraid of losing current donors on a highly potential money losing situation) for WNMU TV13 Public Broadcasting really hamstrings the opportunity. The lack of students over breaks/holidays means that there needs to be some adult staff or volunteers who will be at the games to start the season, and over breaks. WNMU TV is already spread pretty thin (even before I graduated), and this would be an additional drain on resources (people/funding).

Donors, or a couple corporate sponsors, might really be helpful in driving this.

Ideally, the AD's from a couple of resourceful schools (UAA/MTU with the better streaming feed, NMU/BSU (and FSU?) with the production ability (local PBS) would get together and discuss what they need. Bemidji may be able to show NMU just how feasible the broadcasts are to get them on air even. Ideal sources would be to contact representatives from NewLion about their service (UAA uses 'em, the AHL, etc.) and also from MLB and NHL about their services.


I already shell out the $7 or whatever it is for the B2 feed occasionally. I pay $18 a month for my XM radio service to get commercial free music, NHL and MLB games. I would happily buy a package from the new WCHA if it was broadcast quality (Standard Definition even) for the Wells Fargo WCHA Video Player presented by Red Baron if I could get every Wildcat game. Make it reasonable enough where I want all the other games along with my team.
Click to expand...

Who will or should be the pitchman (woman) to the various schools concerning these ideas? Who gets the ball rolling with the hockey programs and the schools? Are things already in motion? How soon does someone within the WCHA and folks at the various schools need to set these ideas in motion?
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

aygwm2 said:
Who will or should be the pitchman (woman) to the various schools concerning these ideas? Who gets the ball rolling with the hockey programs and the schools? Are things already in motion? How soon does someone within the WCHA and folks at the various schools need to set these ideas in motion?
Click to expand...
The wheels are in motion, there is a marketing committee discussing these very things. I expect the wheels to get greased heavily shortly after this season ends. THG plans to interview MTU AD, Suzanne Sanregret, soon to touch pace on these things. We all realize that the WCHA will probably need to be pushed in this direction, especially if Bruce McLeod remains in charge. Hopefully they understand the importance of hitting the ground running. From what I have read, I have no idea which ADs are actually on the marketing committee. There are two other committees: governance/finance and scheduling/postseason tournament. I do know that Sanregret is part of the governance/finance committee.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

I'm totally on board with the roku channel idea and hope that it comes true. I think it will be a big benefit for the league in a number of ways that might not be quantifiable on the balance sheet. I also think that if you can get a broadcast deal, great as well. But roku, and not just an internet stream is important as that allows it to be up on your TV and not just on your computer screen. (though these days the new blu-ray players come with integral internet access and are programmable.)
I think the showcase game is a great idea. I hope the inside the WCHA show gets expanded to video and put up there as well. Make it an hour show with highlights, and discussion of the next weeks schedule. etc. I'm sure there are plenty of templates to go by, Put it up there mid week like uscho does with their blog talk radio thing.In fact maybe you could talk those guys into taping their show or doing it live as well. Anything to generate traffic to the channel. Also the web site could use some help. The ECAC web site is a lot better, especially on weekends.

I wrote to our AD some weeks ago about this, and I hope that fans of other schools do the same.

On a different subject, the fate of the referee's is something that needs discussing, and action needs to be taken soon on. I liked the idea that davy put out, of a combine where the leagues all draw from the same group. any opinions on that? It might be better to talk to the other leagues rather than one day finding that they have your ref in chief and all his indians.
and last, where are the BGSU fans, surely they know the boards exist. We could use some input from them I would think.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

Shirtless Guy said:
The wheels are in motion, there is a marketing committee discussing these very things. I expect the wheels to get greased heavily shortly after this season ends. THG plans to interview MTU AD, Suzanne Sanregret, soon to touch pace on these things. We all realize that the WCHA will probably need to be pushed in this direction, especially if Bruce McLeod remains in charge. Hopefully they understand the importance of hitting the ground running. From what I have read, I have no idea which ADs are actually on the marketing committee. There are two other committees: governance/finance and scheduling/postseason tournament. I do know that Sanregret is part of the governance/finance committee.
Click to expand...

For his part, Bruce needs to let the young folks lead the way. He has to recognize that whether deserved or not, his policies led to the NCHC schools splitting off, and also that several of the schools (MSUM, LSSU, BGSU, UAH if they are invited) are in danger of discontinuing the sport. Getting the WCHA's name out in this manner is cheap, helps the schools take more ownership of the process, and might be tremendously effective at fostering a very tight-knit league with good recruitment prospects.


EDIT: Also, I agree with manurespreader about his ref question and his comment about Falcon fans.
 
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Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

manurespreader said:
I'm totally on board with the roku channel idea and hope that it comes true. I think it will be a big benefit for the league in a number of ways that might not be quantifiable on the balance sheet. I also think that if you can get a broadcast deal, great as well. But roku, and not just an internet stream is important as that allows it to be up on your TV and not just on your computer screen. (though these days the new blu-ray players come with integral internet access and are programmable.)
I think the showcase game is a great idea. I hope the inside the WCHA show gets expanded to video and put up there as well. Make it an hour show with highlights, and discussion of the next weeks schedule. etc. I'm sure there are plenty of templates to go by, Put it up there mid week like uscho does with their blog talk radio thing.In fact maybe you could talk those guys into taping their show or doing it live as well. Anything to generate traffic to the channel. Also the web site could use some help. The ECAC web site is a lot better, especially on weekends.

I wrote to our AD some weeks ago about this, and I hope that fans of other schools do the same.

On a different subject, the fate of the referee's is something that needs discussing, and action needs to be taken soon on. I liked the idea that davy put out, of a combine where the leagues all draw from the same group. any opinions on that? It might be better to talk to the other leagues rather than one day finding that they have your ref in chief and all his indians.
and last, where are the BGSU fans, surely they know the boards exist. We could use some input from them I would think.
Click to expand...

Agree with all your points and especially "I wrote to our AD some weeks ago about this, and I hope that fans of other schools do the same." Our voices in letters to our various alma-mater's ADs and the management of the WCHA could help to impress upon them how important it is to fans of the "new" WCHA to have a consistent and quality visual presence in whatever form that may take.

...and, of course, put the "new" WCHA out there in the best light possible to promote it as a progressive and distinctive conference.
 
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Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

Just a comment, the Roku channels essentially are Internet feeds being broadcast by the Roku box. I would work to provide a streaming package that includes Roku, Boxee, etc.

Make it widely available. It's a marketing tool, why should it be tied to one device? iPod, iPhone, and iPhone apps should be looked at too. I like what Vancouver has for an iPhone/iPod app.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

aparch said:
Just a comment, the Roku channels essentially are Internet feeds being broadcast by the Roku box. I would work to provide a streaming package that includes Roku, Boxee, etc.

Make it widely available. It's a marketing tool, why should it be tied to one device? iPod, iPhone, and iPhone apps should be looked at too. I like what Vancouver has for an iPhone/iPod app.
Click to expand...
I would assume that by the time this rolls out, there would be "apps/channels" so the streaming of live games or viewing of archived games would work on an xbox, ps3, roku, ipod, ipad, iphone, apple tv, etc.
 
Shirtless Guy said:
I would assume that by the time this rolls out, there would be "apps/channels" so the streaming of live games or viewing of archived games would work on an xbox, ps3, roku, ipod, ipad, iphone, apple tv, etc.
Click to expand...

I would hope so. Maybe I have a little too much blind faith, but I get the feeling that the wheels are in motion... And headed in the right direction.

I definitely think the CCHA finally was righting itself after what Amastos did, and the WCHA needs to take that, and improve and run with it.


I had a breakdown for estimated pricing of the proposed feeds based on NeuLion (AHL, CHL, WHL, OHL, BCHL) that I'll try to re-post tomorrow.
 
Re: The New WCHA (2013-14)

This morning google announced, and I might have heard it wrong, but google announced an improvement to youtube whereby it will have channels similar to what we have been discussing.
 
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