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.