Yes, it does not seem like a good idea on the AK end of the trip, thanks Tom
for helping me see this and leading me to a new approach.  On the other
hand, they gotta sleep somewhere.  :>)

A lexicographic ordered conference assignment algorithm has been posted on
this list.  With college budget cutting, it seems the Alpha Dog approach
might be dominated by a cost oriented conference assignment method.  Obtain
the lowest overall D1 travel cost using a Travel Cost Minimization
conference assignment algorithm for all eligible D1 teams.  There could be
constraints so that no teams play each other more than 4 times a season in
conference play and at least half of the games are at home.

If the result is terribly distasteful, then let league presidents make
trades at a cost of covering travel expenses beyond the minimum.  It might
even be beneficial to pay some eligible D1 teams to join another division,
such as D3.

Other than the known cases of possible cuts for next year, I wonder if
anyone has heard of significant changes like reduced number of games played,
etc. discussed by conferences/schools next year in D1 hockey to cut costs.

Did we all realize the unintended consequences of having to wait so long
between Regionals and Finals?

-----Original Message-----
From: Rowe, Thomas <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 6:11 PM
Subject: Re: is the WCHA paying attention?


>Do I understand you are suggesting a bus trip between Fairbanks and
Anchorage in the winter?  That's around 375 miles - not exactly across town.
>
>Tom Rowe
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: - Hockey-L - The College Hockey Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hambone
>Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 4:05 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: is the WCHA paying attention?
>
>Seems there is a lot to say about keeping college hockey when there is a
campus rink that is used for PE, intramurals (hockey and broomball),
precision skating.....  Unlike the squeak ball or pigskin game, it seems
much easier to justify in AK where it has a very natural connection.  Also,
it does not seem that there would necessarily be more costly travel since a
team could play both teams on a weekend in AK and then again when the
Alaskans travel out of state with inexpensive local bus travel between
venues. Since air travel has a large fixed cost component, the AK teams
>might travel on one chartered plane at much lower cost.   As an additional
>money issue, I wonder if anyone has heard of conferences/schools are
seriously contemplating reducing the number of games played next season.
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Moller Edward N <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 4:27 PM
>Subject: Re: is the WCHA paying attention?
>Snipped>
>