DGARN writes:
 
A side note...exactly how is a schedule created?  From what I"Ve been
reading here it seems like alot of it has to do with favors.
 
For instance, in the next couple of months I will begin working on the 1997-98
schedule.  The 1996-97 CCHA schedule was approved over the summer by the
athletic directors, who can now make individual changes (there were over 30
changes to the 1995-96 schedule from the time it was approved to the final
version).
 
First of all, each school is asked to submit their academic calendar for the
school year in question.  Each athletic director/hockey coach is sent a
questionnaire where each institution can select three weekends/dates they would
like to be at home and an additional three they would prefer to be on the road.
 
They are also asked to list what weekends they could go to UAF and not miss any
class time as well as any non-conference contracts they have to be worked in to
the schedule.  Finally, the schools are asked about exam period (December),
when school begins in January and spring break week.
 
All 165 games are inputted into a computer database (for the five teams that
travel to UAF - they will play the remaining six teams at home twice and the
other three teams at home once for 15 home games.  Besides the three at UAF,
they would play at three teams twice, and six teams once for 15 road games).
 
The five teams hosting UAF would entertain six teams once and three teams twice
for 15 home games, while playing at six teams twice and three teams once for 15
road games.
 
A huge calendar is created with school preferences, non-conference
committments, etc.  Games are also paired up (i.e.  if school A only plays once
at Miami, that game is paired up with one at OSU or BGSU; if school B only
plays once at UIC, that game is paired up with one at UND or WMU; if school C
only plays once at LSSU; that game is paired up with one at FSU).  You get the
point.
 
It is extremely difficult to balance home and away (no school playing more than
four straight on the road or at home) along with all the other restrictions.
 
But the reason the schedules are completed so far in advance, is to allow each
school to modify their schedule to best suit their needs.
 
Just thought you would like to know.
 
Jeff Weiss
CCHA Assistant Commissioner
 
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