Rebel_Sioux

The problem is that Big Ten has a small sample size. This has been their one good year. Prior to this year they were barely better than Atlantic Hockey. Their success this year is largely thanks to Wisconsin improving, but it's hard to tell if this year is an outlier or if the conference as a whole will remain competitive. The honest answer, is they will probably remain strong (most years) now that they have Notre Dame on board. However, what is certain is that the NCHC has put more teams into the NCAA tournament than any other conference since it's formation. Essentially, joining the Big Ten is a gamble. If we are being honest, the Big Ten will likely be a strong conference most years, but questions remain about finances, priorities and potential ejection (if/when another Big school adds hockey). However we know that the NCHC will always be a strong conference as long as UND is in it (even without us DU and UMD will keep it strong). Even if we lost UMD/UNO and added ASU (long term benefits) and/or Minnesota State (better team, more history), the conference would still be one of the strongest (Top 2) in D1 hockey.

@iluvdebbies, sorry if I'm missing something here seeing as I'm new to the forum, but why would he care?

I could care less about Michigan and I'd take UMD and SCSU before Wisconsin but that's probably because I know more people who went to those Minnesota schools.

Lots of factors at play I suppose. 1. The biggest is of course money, will UND get a fair share of revenue (assuming there is any)? Will Kennedy make a move that requires a buyout from the NCHC 2. Currently we have more rivals here and better competition but are those factors still true if UMD or UNO leave? 3. If UMD/UNO, leave, who replaces them? ASU, Minnesota State, or someone else? 4. Pipe dream here, could UND eventually become a Big 10 member in all sports? 5. How does future expansion of college hockey (within Big Ten or westward) influence this decision? Essentially, does UND view the NCHC as a stepping stone, or as a longterm home? My answers: 1. If UND gets a fair financial deal, I'd suspect Kennedy would take the deal. 2. The NCHC would probably be pretty even with Big 10 if UMD or UNO leaves. 3. I'd suspect ASU would be the first choice for the western schools 4. Probably not 5. There are many potential schools, but as previously noted by others, any expansion for any school is dependent on a sizable donation and a willing school administrator.

Sounds like the same source yeah

A friend with a "source" within the Gophers said that UND will be offered a Big 10 spot after this season, if they say no then it will go to UMD or UNO (in that order). As much as I'd rather keep the NCHC as is, has anyone heard anything about this from the Sioux hockey side? I could see the current administration doing it of it saves money or makes us more money.