On Tue, 28 Apr 1998, Brian D Helland wrote:
 
I'm not sure how the Alaska schools would like this, but it would open up
some non-conference games.  If the WCHA and CCHA kept there current
schedules (4 and 3 games vs. an opponent) it would allow 6 NC games for
WCHA and 7 for CCHA.  Since the NWC teams would play 4 games in Alaska
they would have a lot of room for nonconference games.  I'd like to see
the NCAA raise the limit to 36 games from 34.
 
In terms of postseason, the NWC could serve as a WCHA alliance until they
get a tourney berth.  The NWC could qualify two teams into the WCHA
playoffs to get five first round matchups.  Or, the WCHA could play out
four first round series and add the NWC Champ as the No. 5 at the Final
Five.  This would need to happen since the WCHA seems pretty set on
maintaining the Final Five.
 
Such a setup would give the emerging programs a chance to build up to the
established leagues.  But don't count on it any time soon.
 
Vindy
 
 
> This is a hot topic right now on USCHO.  The question is, should the WCHA
> allow Mankato State and Neb-Omaha to join?  Or should the league accept
> only one of the teams?  Or should the league accept none of the teams and
> allow the formation of a new Western Hockey Conference?
>
> Here is my plan for WCHA Realignment.  I have given careful consideration
> to all factors and have come up with a plan that I feel would work best
> considering the circumstances.  Here it is:
> _________________________________________________________________________________
> WCHA (8 teams)         CCHA (10 teams)        New Western Conference (NWC)
>
> North Dakota           Michigan               Neb-Omaha
> Minnesota              Michigan State         Mankato State
> Wisconsin              Ferris State           Bemidji State
> St. Cloud              Western Michigan       Alaska-Anchorage
> Michigan Tech          Northern Michigan      Alaska-Fairbanks
> Denver                 Ohio State             Air Force (?)
> Colorado College       Lake Superior State    Other Emerging Programs (?)
> Minn-Duluth            Bowling Green
>                        Notre Dame
>                        Miami (OH)
> _________________________________________________________________________________
>
> A few comments:
>
> * 8-team WCHA would allow each team to play each other team 4 times in a
> season (7 x 4= 28), while still allowing a non-conference schedule.
>
> * Moving UAF from the CCHA makes sense from a geographical standpoint.
> UAA moving from the WCHA would give them a fresh start in a new conference
> (they haven't had much success in the WCHA).
>
> * Having UAF and UAA in the same conference would help maintain their
> rivalry.  Also, I believe that the Alaska schools should be as far west as
> possible.
>
> * The CCHA would have an even number of teams (10), making scheduling
> easier.  It would also give them more playoff format options.
>
> * The New Conference would give emerging programs out west a place to play
> once they've made the move up.
>
> * Air Force is the wild card in this plan.  Would they be interested in
> joining a conference?
>
> * The members of the new conference would have plenty of scheduling room
> for a solid non-conference schedule.
> _________________________________________________________________________________
>
> This would require some major cooperation between the WCHA, CCHA,
> Independent Schools, NCAA, and the schools being asked to move.  But I
> think that this plan has tremendous growth potential and would benefit all
> of the schools involved.  Any other comments?
>
> Brian.
> (Hoping for an solution to this mess!)
>
> HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
> [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.
>
 
HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.