From an article in the Star Tribune 4/27/96 by John Gilbert: Talks on future of two leagues are put off ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NAPLES, FLA. -- The executive committees of both the WCHA and CCHA held a meeting of historic proportions Thursday night, but the anticipated talk of reorganizing the west's two major Division I hockey leagues did not come about. The meeting was unprecedented between the two leagues, which have been staunch rivals in the years since Michigan led the CCHA school's split from the WCHA. Thursday's meeting was a preliminary gathering to assure that both leagues were following similar paths. Representatives of both leagues stressed that any team starting a Division I program and hoping to join either the WCHA or CCHA would have to meet various criteria in arena facilities and projected expenditures and use a full complement of 18 scholarships. That could delay entry to the WCHA of the expanding program at Mankato State and the proposed new program at Nebraska-Omaha until the fall of 1999. During meetings of the WCHA coaches and administrators earlier this week at nearby Marco Island, Fla., league members were supportive of expansion, but estimated that it might take three years of preparation before either the Mankato or Omaha programs could be competitive in the WCHA. The WCHA also indicated it would prefer to reduce its league schedule from 32 to 28 games, opening the way for more exhibition and non-league games. end quoted article Sounds pretty interesting to me! I've given you all a topic, now discuss among ourselves! -Carol HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.