Mark Clear writes:
>
> Our paper reported last night that UAF is now soliciting North Dakota State to
> join the WCHA with them.  (They want a partner to keep an even number of teams
> in the league.)  Mankato State has apparently backed out (or been rejected).
>
Two updates on this report.  First, the Minnesota State University
System Board denied a request last year by Mankato State to move
their hockey program to Division I.  Budgetary reasons were given.
The request had been supported by the city of Mankato, which even
agreed to build a new arena.
 
The same report on North Dakota State appeared in the Fargo (home of
NDSU) Forum.  Hockey fans here have raised pledges of $500,000 per
year for five years to support an NDSU move from club hockey to
Division I.  But don't look for this to happen any time soon.  NDSU
AD Bob Entzion has not been encouraging in his few public statements.
He cites budgets and the demands such a move would make on women's
athletic programs as major hurdles.  Also, strong resistance could be
expected from NDSU football coach Rocky Hager (anything that
threatens football, etc.).  On the other hand, the facilities would
be great.  The city of Fargo has a new facility that would seat
12,000-15,000 for hockey, and NDSU's contract with the city for
use of the facility would require the city to provide the
modifications necessary for hockey.