WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

[LSSULaker889294]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

I think it's safe to say there will be changes to the WCHA and college hockey in general come 2017-18. Hopefully the changes will make geographic and financial sense.

 

[gfmorris]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

I was doing high/low on all 10 teams tonight for a post on the WCHA Playoffs Blog tomorrow. We all knew — and the league had addressed this on Twitter and in press releases — that Mankato, BG, and Tech are in. Ferris is also in.

If Ferris loses out (11-13-4, 26 points), NMU, BSU, and LSSU can all pass them: Northern because they swept them, Bemidji by going no worse than 4-1-1, and Lake Superior if they go 3-3-0.

BUT while Anchorage can go 4-0-2 or better and get into a tie with Ferris (which goes to the D tiebreaker) and Fairbanks can sweep out to get a tie with the Bulldogs that is broken by their HTH matchup (putting FSU in 7th), obviously both of those things cannot happen since the two schools play each other. So Ferris is in.

I let the league office know, but I did want to claim credit.

GFM

 

[manurespreader]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

Here's an alternative proposal on league realignment.
BGSU leaves and goes to the nacho's. UMD leaves and comes to the WCHA. Mankato gets what it wants, more in state games and less travel with rivals close by. BG get's what it wants, more close games and less travel with rivals close by. Everyone else get's lower expenses. The league also get's access to Amsoil for the league playoffs, and UMD makes tons of money from it. Their fans are happy, our fans are happy.
I don't think it changes the competitive balance of the league either.

 

[John J. MacInnes]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

Here's an alternative proposal on league realignment.
BGSU leaves and goes to the nacho's. UMD leaves and comes to the WCHA. Mankato gets what it wants, more in state games and less travel with rivals close by. BG get's what it wants, more close games and less travel with rivals close by. Everyone else get's lower expenses. The league also get's access to Amsoil for the league playoffs, and UMD makes tons of money from it. Their fans are happy, our fans are happy.
I don't think it changes the competitive balance of the league either.

BGSU is the only full-fledged D-1 school in the WCHA, and without them the league loses all access to the rules committee and governance of the sport at the D-1 level. UMD is a D-2 so the league would then have no say in anything in that area. That's why BG was such an important get for the league in the first place.

And if Mankato moves to the Nacho but Duluth moves out, how do they get more in-state games? The only other Minnesota school in the league would be St. Cloud, so there would be the same amount of in-state opponents in the league as they currently have with Bemidji.

Interesting idea to get "access" to Amsoil, but I wouldn't want the conference championships at a home rink and I'd venture a guess that none of the other schools would like that either. The Final 5 should still be at a neutral site.

 

[manurespreader]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

BGSU is the only full-fledged D-1 school in the WCHA, and without them the league loses all access to the rules committee and governance of the sport at the D-1 level. UMD is a D-2 so the league would then have no say in anything in that area. That's why BG was such an important get for the league in the first place.

And if Mankato moves to the Nacho but Duluth moves out, how do they get more in-state games? The only other Minnesota school in the league would be St. Cloud, so there would be the same amount of in-state opponents in the league as they currently have with Bemidji.

Interesting idea to get "access" to Amsoil, but I wouldn't want the conference championships at a home rink and I'd venture a guess that none of the other schools would like that either. The Final 5 should still be at a neutral site.

Interesting. I had forgotten that about BG. However on point, Mankato would not move out.
Just food for thought.

 

[beaverhockeyfan]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

Updated after BSU completed their season sweep of UMD last night with a 2-1 victory. Only two more non-conference games left on the schedule, Miami at Bowling Green and Ferris State at Michigan.

2015-16 WCHA Non-Conference Schedule. There are 72 non-conference games on the schedule (27-34-9).

-5 against Hockey East (3-2-0)
-4 against Atlantic Hockey (3-0-1)
-26 against the NCHC (4-19-2)
-24 against the Big10 (10-8-5)
-7 against the ECAC (4-2-1)
-6 against Arizona State (3-3-0)

ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE (6) 2-4-0
-Connecticut (2) L 5-2, W 5-2
-Colorado College (2) L 5-2, W 2-1
-at North Dakota (2) L 1-0, L 4-1

ALASKA-ANCHORAGE (6) 3-2-1
-Arizona State W 3-2 OT
-St. Cloud State L 6-2
-Rensselaer W 4-3
-American International W 6-2
-Penn State (2) L 5-2, T 1-1

ALASKA (6) 2-4-0
-St Cloud State (Anchorage) L 3-0
-Arizona State (Anchorage) L 2-1
-American International W 7-2
-Rensselaer W 4-2
-at Wisconsin (2) L 4-3, L 5-2

BEMIDJI STATE (8) 5-2-1
-at Minnesota-Duluth W 2-1
-Minnesota-Duluth W 3-2
-North Dakota T 4-4
-at North Dakota L 5-2
-Arizona State (2) W 5-0, W 2-0
-Minnesota (St. Paul) W 4-2
-St. Cloud State (St. Paul) L 5-2

BOWLING GREEN (10) 4-4-1
-at Ohio State W 6-3
-Ohio State W 2-0
-at Western Michigan L 4-1
-at Canisius W 4-2
-at RIT T 2-2
-Western Michigan (Toledo) L 1-0
-Clarkson (2) W 6-3, L 3-2
-at Miami L 2-1
-Miami

FERRIS STATE (7) 2-2-2
-at Western Michigan L 3-2
-Western Michigan T 1-1
-Wisconsin (2) T 5-5, W 2-1
-Harvard (Minneapolis) L 7-3
-Connecticut (Minneapolis) W 5-2
-at Michigan

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE (10) 3-7-0
-North Dakota (Portland, ME) L 5-2
-Michigan State (Portland, ME) L 4-1
-at Northern Michigan L 6-3
-Northern Michigan W 4-0
-at Michigan State (2) W 4-2, L 2-0
-Arizona State (2) L 3-2, L 3-2 (OT)
-at Vermont L 1-0
-Brown (at Vermont) W 3-0

MICHIGAN TECH (6) 3-1-2
-at Michigan State (2) W 5-4 (OT), T 4-4
-Michigan State (Detroit) W 3-2 OT
-Michigan (Detroit) L 4-2
-Connecticut (Glendale, AZ) W 4-2
-Yale (Glendale, AZ) T 1-1

MINNESOTA STATE (8) 2-6-0
-Nebraska-Omaha (2) L 3-2, L 2-0
-at St. Cloud State (2) L 4-0, L 3-0
-Minnesota L 4-0
-at Minnesota W 3-2 (OT)
-St. Cloud State (St. Paul) L 5-4
-Minnesota (St. Paul) W 3-2

NORTHERN MICHIGAN (8) 3-3-2
-at Wisconsin (2) T 2-2, T 3-3
-Lake Superior State W 6-3
-at Lake Superior State L 4-0
-Michigan (Detroit) L 3-2
-Michigan State (Detroit) W 2-1 OT
-Minnesota-Duluth (2) W 4-3, L 3-1

 

[bigblue_dl]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

What jumps out at me, looking at that list of non-con games, 2 of the top teams (BGSU and MSU) were 0-8-0 against the Nachos, and Tech didn't schedule a game against the Nachos. That's a big problem.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

What jumps out at me, looking at that list of non-con games, 2 of the top teams (BGSU and MSU) were 0-8-0 against the Nachos, and Tech didn't schedule a game against the Nachos. That's a big problem.

to be fair, MTU doesn't really have the relationship with anyone but UMD and they have MSU and BSU to schedule before MTU. I think it would be good for them to try and get WMU on the schedule because I think those are winnable and WMU tends to have a very tough schedule.

 

[davyd83]

to be fair, MTU doesn't really have the relationship with anyone but UMD and they have MSU and BSU to schedule before MTU. I think it would be good for them to try and get WMU on the schedule because I think those are winnable and WMU tends to have a very tough schedule.

I believe Tech has an upcoming deal with UMD for a series in each rink.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

The biggest problem MTU is the the Minnesota schools have each other and UND to schedule. DU/CC want nothing to do with MTU (which is fine with me, although I wouldn't mind playing CC). That basically leaves UNO and WMU. UNO has the "mavericks" relationship with MSU, WMU has the other LP michigan schools, BGSU, Notre Dame...idk.

I know we have the icebreaker and there are talks about MTU vs UMD series which is good and Pearson mentioned talking to SCSU and UNO as well so that is promising.

 

[Flashy Man]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

GFM <— back to hammering on Python

Is that what the space station is coded with?

 

[JohnsonsJerseys]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

BGSU is the only full-fledged D-1 school in the WCHA, and without them the league loses all access to the rules committee and governance of the sport at the D-1 level.

And so ironically, you go court upstart ASU because of their ability to sit at the big boys table when it comes time to talk rules.
I guess I would be ok with a UMD / BGSU swap, but even after only a couple seasons, the competition between MTU and BGSU is heating up due to them battling for the same goals the last couple seasons. But let's be honest, no one is going to tell us what is really happening until it is signed and delivered so it's all just guessing at this point.
Ryan J

 

[aparch]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

Interesting. I had forgotten that about BG. However on point, Mankato would not move out.
Just food for thought.

That's it. MTU and NMU to Division 1 and the Horizon League immediately.



*edit* And I'm almost not kidding about that. Just running the mileage numbers, the average distance from Marquette to all GLIAC members is 457.8 miles. Median mileage is 460.0. If NMU straight up moved to the Horizon League, the average distance to all HL members is 479.6 (+21.8 miles from GLIAC), but the median mileage drops to 445.0 (-15.0 from GLIAC). If Tech moves with NMU to also become full D1 everything in the Horizon League, distance from NMU to HL members is now 444.9 (-12.9 from GLIAC) and the median mileage drops to 439.0 (-21.0 from GLIAC).


Basically, it would be a wash for NMU. AND: they could tap more into the Green Bay alumni market than just hockey, opens up Chicago more (where they already recruit from), ability to still greet alumni in the Detroit area with Horizon League championship in JLA (and future Detroit District Arena) (similar to old CCHA JLA days).

Honestly... Get it done Forrest Karr: NMU to the Horizon League for 2017-18.


*edit 2* Well, Horizon League doesn't sponsor Football, and I'm not looking to axe that program (that would save a TON of scholarship money, but also throw Title IX flags up everywhere). So, associate membership into a football conference would have to be done for NMU. Maybe Associate in Missouri Valley Football Conference? Mid-American Conference? If it's MAC, might as well explore just joining them outright.

 

[gfmorris]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

I was doing high/low on all 10 teams tonight for a post on the WCHA Playoffs Blog tomorrow. We all knew — and the league had addressed this on Twitter and in press releases — that Mankato, BG, and Tech are in. Ferris is also in.

If Ferris loses out (11-13-4, 26 points), NMU, BSU, and LSSU can all pass them: Northern because they swept them, Bemidji by going no worse than 4-1-1, and Lake Superior if they go 3-3-0.

BUT while Anchorage can go 4-0-2 or better and get into a tie with Ferris (which goes to the D tiebreaker) and Fairbanks can sweep out to get a tie with the Bulldogs that is broken by their HTH matchup (putting FSU in 7th), obviously both of those things cannot happen since the two schools play each other. So Ferris is in.

I let the league office know, but I did want to claim credit.

Except I'm wrong. I didn't consider that UAH could win out to get to 27 independent of the Alaska schools. (E.g., UAA gets to 13-13-2/28 while UAF is at 9-15-4/22.) Thanks to Tim Danehy at College Hockey Stats for the correction.

GFM

 

[gfmorris]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

Is that what the space station is coded with?

Ha, no. I'm trying to get this BELOW-based prediction tool into Python + database. It's important to remember that the ISS was designed in the 1980s. Our payload laptop computers just got off of Windows XP.

GFM

 

[blackswampboy]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

Here's an alternative proposal on league realignment.
BGSU leaves and goes to the nacho's.

Their fans are happy, our fans are happy.

I don't know a single BGSU fan who wants to become a nacho. *gag*
We wish to fulfill the glorious mission of bringing Western and Miami St. over from the dark side--either to the WCHA or with BGSU as the center of a new CCHA universe.

 

[SCSU BlackandRed]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

I don't know a single BGSU fan who wants to become a nacho. *gag*
We wish to fulfill the glorious mission of bringing Western and Miami St. over from the dark side--either to the WCHA or with BGSU as the center of a new CCHA universe.

Been looking at this. From a fan and travel perspective (probably attendance as well) wouldn't it make the most sense to have the following:

WCHA
UAA, UA, UAH, BGSU, Ferris, LSSU, Miami, MTU, NMU, WMU and ASU + a TBD (AHA team?)

NCHC
CC, Bemidji, Denver, Mankato, North Dakota, UMD, UNO and St. Cloud

Doubt the league talking heads would go with it but again, think it does a nice job saving a few bucks on travel and gets back a few more rivalries that make sense. ASU doesn't help on the travel side but I do think for where they are at in their stage of development, the WCHA makes the most sense.

 

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

Been looking at this. From a fan and travel perspective (probably attendance as well) wouldn't it make the most sense to have the following:

WCHA
UAA, UA, UAH, BGSU, Ferris, LSSU, Miami, MTU, NMU, WMU and ASU + a TBD (AHA team?)

NCHC
CC, Bemidji, Denver, Mankato, North Dakota, UMD, UNO and St. Cloud

Doubt the league talking heads would go with it but again, think it does a nice job saving a few bucks on travel and gets back a few more rivalries that make sense. ASU doesn't help on the travel side but I do think for where they are at in their stage of development, the WCHA makes the most sense.

I wouldn't be surprised if some have discussed swapping BSU/MSU for WMU/Miami. I personally hate the idea because I'm in Minnesota and don't want my closest games to be in Houghton.

There certainly are ways to great better travel, etc but who really knows what anyone is thinking. Having all the other Minnesota schools in the NCHC also makes the NSCC uncomfortable.

I'm honestly surprised that the NCHC didn't want an alaska school to help with getting more home games, especially since either school probably would have been willing to subsidize travel.

 

[bigblue_dl]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

Been looking at this. From a fan and travel perspective (probably attendance as well) wouldn't it make the most sense to have the following:

WCHA
UAA, UA, UAH, BGSU, Ferris, LSSU, Miami, MTU, NMU, WMU and ASU + a TBD (AHA team?)

NCHC
CC, Bemidji, Denver, Mankato, North Dakota, UMD, UNO and St. Cloud

Doubt the league talking heads would go with it but again, think it does a nice job saving a few bucks on travel and gets back a few more rivalries that make sense. ASU doesn't help on the travel side but I do think for where they are at in their stage of development, the WCHA makes the most sense.

No, what would make more sense is:

League 1: UA, UAA, UND, BSU, MSU, UNO, SCSU, UMD, CC, DU
League 2: MTU, NMU, LSSU, FSU, BGSU, ASU, Miami, WMU, UAH, RMU

2 leagues with 10 is a much better plan than 1 league with 8, 1 with 12. I can't imagine anyone with the Nacho leadership is smart enough to figure this out though.

 

[SCSU BlackandRed]

Re: WCHA 2015-16: So here's what we think that we know...

No, what would make more sense is:

League 1: UA, UAA, UND, BSU, MSU, UNO, SCSU, UMD, CC, DU
League 2: MTU, NMU, LSSU, FSU, BGSU, ASU, Miami, WMU, UAH, RMU

2 leagues with 10 is a much better plan than 1 league with 8, 1 with 12. I can't imagine anyone with the Nacho leadership is smart enough to figure this out though.

Good call. I doubt there is any chance UND or Denver would go for it. How could they allow non-like minded schools like the Alaska schools in their conference?? And yes, I know my school wasn't in the original plan. I would have been fine going to the WCHA from the start.

I'd have no issue with your proposal at all.