Right now the CHA only has 5 teams because Air Force left. I believe they will lose their NCAA tourney autobid within a year or two if they do not find another team.
The most logical replacement would be for one of the top DI club teams to join the conference. There have been rumorrs for years that teams like OU, Penn St. Iowa St Illinois, and Kent St, would make the jump to DI.
I dont see Penn St or Illinios joining a low profile college hockey league because if their Big Ten affiliation. So other than a new program Ohio, Iowa St. Kent St or even maybe UIC . Ohio to me would be the best fit considering they routinely draw more than many teams in the CCHA for club games down in Athens. OU usually draws around 2,500 for home games which is about double what BG has been getting lately, so attendance would not be a problem.
any thought on other college hockey expansion not just CHA?
NCAA hockey expansion
I think it makes sense for a few of those teams on the surface, but with budgetary and Title IX considerations, I'm not sure that a move to varsity status is feasible for some of them. After all, isn't that why Kent eliminated hockey as a varsity sport in the first place? (And UIC?)
"I don't believe I can name a coach, anywhere, anytime, anyhow, who did it better than Doyt Perry."
-1955 BG Assistant Bo Schembechler
BGSUsports.com - Where ESPN.com goes for BG history.
-1955 BG Assistant Bo Schembechler
BGSUsports.com - Where ESPN.com goes for BG history.
I believe thats what the problem was at Kent. Im not sure about UIC. About two months ago a school in Georgia was very interested in joing the CHA (Kennesaw St) Im not positive but I think they may have opted not to add womens and mens hockey. Anyone know about this?
Is there a possibility in the next 10 to 15 years that the Pac 10 or Big 12 will add hockey. I know they all have club teams now, not that it means much in terms of going DI because club hockey is a seperate entity but it is good to finally see all these schools add hockey.
It seems with the popularity of minor and junior A and B hockey in the south that these large southern schools could make some revenue by adding hockey. It would be awesome to see Texas or UCLA play at BG. I think it would add some legitimacy and respect to college hockey on the national stage, something that it clearly lacks now by strictly being a northern based sport.
Is there a possibility in the next 10 to 15 years that the Pac 10 or Big 12 will add hockey. I know they all have club teams now, not that it means much in terms of going DI because club hockey is a seperate entity but it is good to finally see all these schools add hockey.
It seems with the popularity of minor and junior A and B hockey in the south that these large southern schools could make some revenue by adding hockey. It would be awesome to see Texas or UCLA play at BG. I think it would add some legitimacy and respect to college hockey on the national stage, something that it clearly lacks now by strictly being a northern based sport.
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BGFalconfromCincy
- Peregrine
- Posts: 3608
- Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:55 pm
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