>        I was reviewing some of the discussion about new teams and
realigning leagues with a friend of mine who is a member of the Badger Blue
Line Club.  He brought an entire new twist onto the scene.  He claims that
if one more Big Ten team starts a Division I hockey program, (both Penn
State and Illinois have made rumblings about this), then by Big Ten
Conference rules, they would have to form a Big Ten conference for hockey
since the majority of members of the conference play that sport (6 out of
11).  I had never heard this before, but it does seem at some point that if
there are enough schools in a conference playing a sport, they must play it
within that conference.  While previous discussions have pointed out that
Title IX considerations and financial constraints may prevent this from
happening in the near future, I would think this must be a concern when
there is consideration of major, long term, realignment in the West, which
would be seriously jolted if the Big Ten team!
>s all leave to form their own conf
>erence.
 
 
I agree.  Having more Big Ten teams would really mess things up.  However, I
think expansion would benefit the leagues more than anything.  I have a
feeling college hockey is going to take off with the arrival of the southern
franchises in professional hockey.  The Dallas Stars, Phoenix Coyotes (next
years Winnipeg Jets), and the Florida Panthers are going to really help
college hockey.
 
Could we see teams like Miami(FL), University of Florida, U of Texas,
Arizona State.. and the such.. have teams in the future?  It could happen.
Especially now that Tampa Bay and the Panthers are in the NHL playoffs.
The interest may start to be there, and in the future, could bring college
hockey to the south.  The only problem would arise with the talent level.
 
Pondering thoughts........
 
Nat Malen
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire
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