I wanted to add my $0.01 (devalued these days!) as a Notre Dame alumnus.
 
I think this is a brilliant move for Notre Dame athletics as a whole.  The move
to the Big East in Basketball can only help the irish (although i still don't
see how it helps the Big East!) financially.  I am glad to see the football
team remain an independant.  The Big East is really a strange entity - Notre
Dame remains independent in football, Miami (Fla.) remains independent in
baseball and Syracuse remains independent in lacrosse.  It seems a number of
members have their pet programs which they choose to not share with the others.
I doubt that Miami (Fla.) would have been allowed to join without bringing
their football program!
 
As far as hockey is concerned, I would cringe if they decided to leave the
CCHA.  As far as I can tell, the CCHA has gone out of its way to support Notre
Dame's return.  I think the Irish program owes a great deal to the league.  I
also have little doubt that coach Schafer feels kind of the same way.  I have
felt very positive about the Irish hockey program since Ric Schafer took over
the helm (although I was saddened to see Left Smith go - I owe him a lot
personally) and am confident that the program will continue to grow and
hopefully give back to the CCHA in kind for the aid and considerations extended
during this re-entry phase.
 
     - Pat
 
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