Well, I've learned a lot in the past week.  The most important thing I've
learned is to avoid jumping to conclusions without asking someone in the
know, then forming opinions on those conclusions...then distributing the
opinion everywhere.  :-)
 
Since my post regarding Ric Schafer's genius in schedule making, I still
think Ric is one of the jewels of college hockey but I no longer think he's
a scheduling genius.  My up-to-date "understanding" follows.  (This is my
understanding of things after speaking with persons more knowledgeable about
the subject than myself.  I hope everything is correct, but there are no
promises.  :-)
 
 -- There is generally no payment made to the visiting teams in CCHA league
games because the league has a balanced schedule (over two years).  This
would jive with Ric Schafer pocketing the proceeds from last year's Palace
game because it was a home game for the Irish, not Michigan.
 
 -- If Team A is hosting Team B and Team A wants to move the game to a
different arena, the standard course of action is for both Athletic
Directors to agree on the site and then obtain league approval if necessary.
 (My guess is the league easily approves any reasonable request.)  If the
visiting team does not agree, the game is not moved.
 
Assuming the above is correct, the impetus for Notre Dame's schedule rests
with Miami and Ohio State wanting to move some games to a larger venue.  The
"credit", as such, goes to ND's AD for agreeing to the moves.  And, since
all of the games are away games for ND, it seems that the Irish gain
exposure but see no direct monetary benefit.
 
I hope this brings things back on track, seeing as I was WAY off base
originally.
 
  John H
  U Mich