What's Utica up to?

[AMC]

Splitting this out of the Lindenwood thread, Utica is at least at the "AHA has acknowledged their interest and are having a meeting about it" stage, including quotes from Commissioner DeGregorio:

https://wibx950.com/could-the-utica-mens-hockey-team-be-moving-to-ncaas-division-i/

“I can say Utica has expressed an interest in joining (the Atlantic Hockey Association), but the conference has not yet made a decision,” said AHA Commissioner Bob DeGregorio on Wednesday. "A very important meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday. We’ll know a lot more then," he said.

Is this a move of their whole athletic department? They are shut out of just playing up from D-III per NCAA legislation, so you'd have to imagine they are going D-II if this happens?

 

[Puckstopper467]

Their attendance would be #1 in the Atlantic, and their rink is electric. Based on location and fan base being a success and the ability to recruit would not be a problem. Utica would be come a top designation in that division and across the country

 

[drshoen]

I thought it was odd that the AHA championships were in Utica this year, since they don't have a team in the league (it is pretty centrally located for the teams). Maybe it was a trial for the school?

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

CHN had some tidbits in todays story on AHA (starting to) take back RMU

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2022/03/31_Atlantic-Hockey-Votes-to-.php

Looks like a plan to join a yet-unnamed D-II all sports conference and play up, joining AHA in 2023.

Also a curious note on Stonehill, a D-II school planning on joining the NEC and playing D-I hockey as an independent, despite being currently able to do what Utica is trying to do.