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University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

bronconick

bronconick

Yep, still here
http://akronsportsnow.com/akron-hockey-returns-home/

Blurb at the bottom. Apparently there's some talk about the city and university working together on an arena.

Also, Coach Michael Sadjadi and the rest of the Zips staff recently met with University of Akron Athletic Director Tom Wistrcill to discuss the future of the program and a possible move from club sport to NCAA scholarship program. There will be more information to come on the matter in the coming months.
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Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

I wonder how many programs would start up if the economy was better. So far all possibilities have been that, just possibilities.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

So we have two Mid-American schools looking into adding hockey to the mix. Good luck to them.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

Any school that is even thinking about starting a team without getting a slot in a conference in advance is making a huge mistake. This is also why I feel the WCHA and CCHA made an error in joining together so quickly. Bi6 Ten isn't taking a non-Bi6Ten team, I don't see Hockey East or NCHC taking a starter program so that leaves Atlantic (full) and the WCHA (clearly not interested in another team or UAH would be in). So where are all these new teams going to play? Yeah you can start a team, but how long will you last and an indie? Unless 5 or 6 start at once, I don't see it working well.
Ryan J
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

Minor update. Still seems to be speculation and talk about Akron moving up.

Season Preview: Zips Hockey Ready For Next Level

The huge support finally drew the attention of the Akron athletic department late last season, as several officials, including athletic director Tom Wistrcill attended a home contest. Though nothing has been made official, it’s become common knowledge that UA is seriously discussing the possibility of adding a D1 sport (or two) soon. And with plans for a new basketball arena currently a hot topic, it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that a duel-purpose arena has been discussed.
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Nothing concrete yet. The talk of an arena seems to have steam, though no one has specifically mentioned a goal of it housing hockey. There seems to be interest in adding sports. Based on the club team there seems to be interest and support for hockey. A lot of maybes and possibilities still, but hopefully it gains steam. Bowling Green could use an in state in league rival. I'm assuming the WCHA would welcome them with open arms.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

aygwm2 said:
East Division: Buffalo, Akron

South Division: Miami

Central Division: BGSU

Western Division: WMU
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I'm liking Miami's chances out of the South. I think they can take that division by storm.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

As someone who spent the weekend in canton/Akron it was nice to have a direct flight from Boston - so if there are games here with seeing its possible to do so without too much effort.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

JohnsonsJerseys said:
Any school that is even thinking about starting a team without getting a slot in a conference in advance is making a huge mistake. This is also why I feel the WCHA and CCHA made an error in joining together so quickly. Bi6 Ten isn't taking a non-Bi6Ten team, I don't see Hockey East or NCHC taking a starter program so that leaves Atlantic (full) and the WCHA (clearly not interested in another team or UAH would be in). So where are all these new teams going to play? Yeah you can start a team, but how long will you last and an indie? Unless 5 or 6 start at once, I don't see it working well.
Ryan J
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Akron would sit far better in the WCHA footprint than would UAH.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

davyd83 said:
Akron would sit far better in the WCHA footprint than would UAH.
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UAH actually has a program that believes in itself enough to play as an independent for three years in a climate that is highly toxic for independents.

GFM <-- c'mon, you knew I'd say something.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

Don't think Akron would have any intention to be in the WCHA or Atlantic Hockey. Same with Buffalo.

The New CCHA

BGSU
Akron
Robert Morris
Mercyhurst
Buffalo
Canisius
Niagara
UAH

BGSU would jump in an instant. Canisius and Niagara jump if Buffalo starts up. RMU and Mercyhurst go in.

They also would try to get Miami and WMU. Maybe try to get Ferris St and RIT too.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

Star2City said:
Don't think Akron would have any intention to be in the WCHA or Atlantic Hockey. Same with Buffalo.

The New CCHA....They also would try to get Miami and WMU. Maybe try to get Ferris St and RIT too.
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"Well you can wish in one hand and do something else in the other and see which gets filled first..."

Actually the CCHA v2.0 would be comprised of everyone who needed a conference except MTU, NMU, UAA, BSU and MSU. But don't worry, we're used to it. We will form CHA v2.0 and enjoy our 20% chance of an NCAA autobid each year.
:rolleyes:
Ryan J
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

Yeah, I like the idea of getting another conference back like the CCHA 2.0, but not with the addition of one school. It would be a great conference for the CCHA 2.0 geographically, but terrible for the WCHA 2.0. It's basically dumping all the Alaska travel onto the WCHA 2.0, which is going to be way too expensive. Right now the WCHA 2.0 should focus on growing a large group to try to dilute that travel burden (yes I'd still like to see UAH join).

Should growth occur and the WCHA 2.0 up to 12 members again, then I'd consider splitting some schools back off into CCHA 2.0 with some Atlantic schools. Ideally some of that growth happens out west, at least somewhat close the UP and Minnesota schools. Green Bay, Moorhead, Iowa State, even Lindenwood (all rumored at one point and shot down) would be examples.

That way should another school like Akron or Buffalo make a CCHA 2.0 plausible, it wouldn't leave the WCHA 2.0 out on a limb. Plus should a conference split ever happen, I'd imagine there would be serious discussion about splitting up the Alaska schools again anyway.

All that being said, this is the hypothetical problem of how to handle a growing landscape of college hockey. A problem I wouldn't mind having, but not one I foresee too soon.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

gfmorris said:
UAH actually has a program that believes in itself enough to play as an independent for three years in a climate that is highly toxic for independents.

GFM <-- c'mon, you knew I'd say something.
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Of course Geof. Have you heard anything down there about any conference chatter? Not much floating around this neck of the woods.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

Do they have a guy with 90 million bucks like Penn State?

No?

Then it's fantasyland.
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

ScoobyDoo said:
Do they have a guy with 90 million bucks like Penn State?

No?

Then it's fantasyland.
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Like UConn going to scholarship hockey with a arena far from campus?

If the city of Akron pays for a new arena, how is that different than Pegula?
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

RapidsCity said:
Of course Geof. Have you heard anything down there about any conference chatter? Not much floating around this neck of the woods.
Click to expand...

The WCHA will be in Huntsville in October. I know when, but I'm not allowed to say.

GFM
 
Re: University of Akron possibly in discussions to move to D1 varsity

Star2City said:
Like UConn going to scholarship hockey with a arena far from campus?

If the city of Akron pays for a new arena, how is that different than Pegula?
Click to expand...

Pegula paid for the arena and the startup costs and funded all initial recruiting and staffing and everything else in an already-mature athletics department. A rink would be great [I want one here!], but you've got to have a quality organization. Would it cost less at Akron than at Penn State, who has to promise to be competitive in the BI6 right away? Yep. Is that small? Nope.

GFM
 
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