New CCHA Member???

falconfan1999 · Post by **falconfan1999** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 2:39 pm

I don't see a problem with adding more teams to the CCHA. Ideally, we should add look to grow the conference geographically, to expand it's footprint, if you will. Growing the footprint, in theory increases exposure, and makes recruiting easier, again, in theory.

On a related note, I've always thought that Wayne State's nickname should be the Dark Knights! Weren't they at one time a much older member of the MAC?

Schadenfreude · Post by **Schadenfreude** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:58 am

The charters members of the MAC -- in 1947, I believe -- were Ohio, Butler, Cincinnati, Wayne State and Western Reserve.

Wayne State never played a game. Butler got out after one season. Cincinnati and Western Reserve got out after a couple more.

By 1954, the line up was: Bowling Green, Kent State, Marshall, Miami, Ohio, Toledo and Western Michigan. That membership held until 1969, when Marshall was kicked out of the league. Ball State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Northern Illnois were added for the 1975 season.

TG1996 · Post by **TG1996** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:42 pm

Schadenfreude wrote:The charters members of the MAC -- in 1947, I believe -- were Ohio, Butler, Cincinnati, Wayne State and Western Reserve.

Wayne State didn't play a game, and Miami(OH) and Western Michigan were around the first season in addition to those you named. Butler played 3 years in the MAC.

BG joined in '52, Western Reserve hung around through 1954.

FormerFreddie · Post by **FormerFreddie** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:19 am

Niagara isn't that far from BG. It's just north of Buffalo, so maybe a five-hour bus ride.

I think adding western NY would be great for the CCHA. Great hockey players in that area. I think Niagara would need some facilities upgrades though.

NWLB · Post by **NWLB** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 9:47 am

pdt1081 wrote:Add another team and that's one less advantage we have.

Dude, it is in Detroit. I mean the threat of having to play a bowl game in that town has been enough to make football players go to other schools!

McConvey · Post by **McConvey** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 1:01 pm

FormerFreddie wrote:Niagara isn't that far from BG. It's just north of Buffalo, so maybe a five-hour bus ride.

I think adding western NY would be great for the CCHA. Great hockey players in that area. I think Niagara would need some facilities upgrades though.

Niagara just opened a new on-campus arena (or rennovated the old one. Not sure which, but I was under the impression that it was new) at the beginning of the 04-05 season. It certainly isn't my favorite arena, but I can think of five places off the top of my head that are worse than the Purple Eagles' barn.