in tom's message:
>>> Yes, there will be 4 teams competing as Div I schools in Minnesota this year
>>> (add Mankato State and Bemidji State)- but it will be a few years before you
>>> have 4 Div I schools in Minn. These last two are moving up from Div III
 where
>>> the Pointers consistently knocked them off the last few years. :-)
 
Bemidji State is not moving up to Div I as far as I know.  The four are
Minnesota, MInnesota-Duluth, St. Cloud State, and Mankato State.  St. Cloud
moved up a few years ago, and is, along with Minn and UMD, a member of the
WCHA.  Mankato is moving up this year, playing an independent schedule.
 
As I recall, Bemidji is a Div II school, which will no longer be allowed
to play Div III hockey next year.  Because of the lack of competition in
Division II, however, their conference (I believe it's the
Northern Collegiate Hockey Association, NCHA) will allow them to continue
to compete with the Div III schools.  It just won't be eligible for the Div
III playoffs.
 
Also, I believe Mankato split its series with the Pointers this year and
beat them in the playoffs.  I'm sure some of the Pointer fans on the list
can straighten me out if I'm wrong on that one, though!
 
Pam Sweeney
Go Gophers!!!