College Hockey Expansion

[cberkas]

14 hours ago, ArchyAlum11 said:

The problem the BigTen has, at least as I see it, is they basically went into the college hockey game like a bull in a china shop, and they didn't really plan for the long term. When PSU  joined the smarter move would have been to try and move slowly toward a big ten hockey conference, Start with a Bigten invite tourney with four of the teams competing, then maybe encourage Bigten conference member to schedule at least 2 or 4 of their nonconference match ups against big ten conference opponents.  Then maybe, you'd start to re-establish old rivalry from the old old WCHA, Before the Michigans and Ohio State joined the CCHA, then maybe people would start to wonder about a big ten Hockey conference. But they didn't and now big ten members, except Penn State, have lower attendance than in their previous conferences.

I think a better move for other conferences, like the PAC10, would be to create a semi independent conference, MVFC is to MVC, this way schools in said conference that want to add hockey have a home which they can go to, but the conference can look to other non-member schools to bolster its ranks. Though in fairness i am not sure that the NCAA would go for it, the NCAA seems more concerned about being a bureaucratic monolith and milking money out of schools rather than trying to make it easier for schools to add sports.

The B1G was wanting their teams to play each other more the year before Penn State announced they were going D1.

Using the B1G as an example the Pac 12 should wait until they have 8 teams before adding. Hockey to the conference. 

[Rebel_Sioux]

On 9/12/2017 at 6:53 PM, cberkas said:

It sounds like Ohio State thinks they can get these kids just because they are Ohio State.

To bad Ohio isn't still in the NCAA D1, because they could have done what Miami is doing in Columbus. 

I think this is also a problem with the Gophers. Lots of in state talent has been going to other Minnesota schools. Most notably UMD

[tnt]

20 minutes ago, Rebel_Sioux said:

I think this is also a problem with the Gophers. Lots of in state talent has been going to other Minnesota schools. Most notably UMD

To be fair, that is probably why they are taking these early commitments now, because they probably waited too long in offering guys like Adam Johnson, Riley Tufte, and Joey Anderson.  It is a crap shoot knowing who is going to turn out and who isn't.  I'm sure UND has waited too long on some of those guys too.  Mitchell Mattson looked like he had first round potential at one point, but hasn't lived up to those expectations yet. I would guess had Kunz not visited Minnesota, UND may have waited to offer him, but that is the new reality for a lot of teams.   I think the main thing is that there are so many great, well-coached players in each age group, that you can never get all of the ones that turn out to develop a little better. 

[cberkas]

Liberty is playing Alabama, and even though Liberty didn't sell out at least it looks like a sellout.

These teams are more skilled then I'd thought ACHA teams to be. They could hold their own against NCAA DIII teams. 

 http://www.bigsouthsports.com/watch/?Live=1348

[cberkas]

Dan Wolken‏Verified account @DanWolken Sep 14 

I've long held a theory that if the SEC had D-1 hockey programs they'd quickly dominate and sell out arenas.

 

[SiouxVolley]

So U of Mary announced they are adding ACHA DI hockey with an experienced JC coach that was already on staff.  A lot of posters will disagree, but it seems Minot St and Mary are teaming up to be a pair in the WCHA and they will get support from NSIC schools and Upper Miçhigan schools.  An AD doesn't typically announce the creation of a new club sport unless they are serious about it down the road for varsity, but Dale Lennon was excited about the announcement.  Both Minot St and Mary haven't done much at the DII level to create excitement about athletics but a DI hockey program could excite both cities unlike DII sports.  Mary would need the Bismarck Civic Center to play at least bigger games, but that would seem possible.  It may take several years before it happens, but Mary isn't adding club hockey just for the fun of it.  Moorhead St would have been preferred by the WCHA but Mary isn't that far off.

http://www.goumary.com/news/2017/9/15/general-university-of-mary-to-pursue-mens-ice-hockey-starting-fall-2018.aspx

 

[PhillySioux]

4 minutes ago, SiouxVolley said:

So U of Mary announced they are adding ACHA DI hockey with an experienced JC coach that was already on staff.  A lot of posters will disagree, but it seems Minot St and Mary are teaming up to be a pair in the WCHA and they will get support from NSIC schools and Upper Miçhigan schools.  An AD doesn't typically announce the creation of a new club sport unless they are serious about it down the road for varsity, but Dale Lennon was excited about the announcement.  Both Minot St and Mary haven't done much at the DII level to create excitement about athletics but a DI hockey program could excite both cities unlike DII sports.  Mary would need the Bismarck Civic Center to play at least bigger games, but that would seem possible.  It may take several years before it happens, but Mary isn't adding club hockey just for the fun of it.  Moorhead St would have been preferred by the WCHA but Mary isn't that far off.

http://www.goumary.com/news/2017/9/15/general-university-of-mary-to-pursue-mens-ice-hockey-starting-fall-2018.aspx

 

There is a significant ice shortage here in Bismarck.  I have no idea where they are gonna play.

[cberkas]

32 minutes ago, SiouxVolley said:

So U of Mary announced they are adding ACHA DI hockey with an experienced JC coach that was already on staff.  A lot of posters will disagree, but it seems Minot St and Mary are teaming up to be a pair in the WCHA and they will get support from NSIC schools and Upper Miçhigan schools.  An AD doesn't typically announce the creation of a new club sport unless they are serious about it down the road for varsity, but Dale Lennon was excited about the announcement.  Both Minot St and Mary haven't done much at the DII level to create excitement about athletics but a DI hockey program could excite both cities unlike DII sports.  Mary would need the Bismarck Civic Center to play at least bigger games, but that would seem possible.  It may take several years before it happens, but Mary isn't adding club hockey just for the fun of it.  Moorhead St would have been preferred by the WCHA but Mary isn't that far off.

http://www.goumary.com/news/2017/9/15/general-university-of-mary-to-pursue-mens-ice-hockey-starting-fall-2018.aspx

 

The Bismarck Civic Center is garbage for hockey. Until Bismarck has more then 3 rinks, Mary going above club hockey isn't happening.

[UNDBIZ]

1 hour ago, PhillySioux said:

There is a significant ice shortage here in Bismarck.  I have no idea where they are gonna play.

New sheet at Schaumberg and another in Mandan. But yeah, still a LONG way off from any D1 facilities.

[SiouxVolley]

Augustana has DI facilities in SF for hockey.  The other SD schools won't start it and there is a huge opportunity there.  The WCHA needs more teams in the NSIC footprint as the widespread league needs to consolidate on the upper Midwest.  BGSU, UAH, and Ferris St could  well be looking elsewhere and Eastern schools may bite.

[cberkas]

1 hour ago, SiouxVolley said:

Augustana has DI facilities in SF for hockey.  The other SD schools won't start it and there is a huge opportunity there.  The WCHA needs more teams in the NSIC footprint as the widespread league needs to consolidate on the upper Midwest.  BGSU, UAH, and Ferris St could  well be looking elsewhere and Eastern schools may bite.

Same could be said for USF.

[cberkas]

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2017/09/18_CHN-Mailbag-3-NHL-Sponsored.php

[SiouxVolley]

Here's an interesting article about URI.  If they drop football, they maybe can fund M&W hockey and even M&W lacrosse.  Their Bradford Boss Arena on campus would be sufficient for the AHA but they would probably have to move men's games to the Dunkin Donuts Arena in Providence if they want in Hockey East.  URI just needs to decide to drop their losing fb program that doesn't have much upside.

http://pucksandrecreation.com/providential-precedent-rhode-island-rams-hockey-program/

[ArchyAlum11]

On 2017. 9. 16. at 2:43 PM, cberkas said:

Dan Wolken‏Verified account @DanWolken Sep 14 

I've long held a theory that if the SEC had D-1 hockey programs they'd quickly dominate and sell out arenas.

 

I think they could have successful programs, but I doubt they would dominate,  it a long shot those schools would add hockey, the south isn't exactly clamoring for hockey, The south is riddled with NHL and pro league teams that play to half empty arenas. AHU - the self-proclaimed hockey capital of the south only averages 24% capacity for a game,  around 1,600 people. Even if they did incur the massive expense to add basic hockey facilities  I seriously doubt they would spend a ton of money on the coaching staff. The only way a southern conference could work is if enough teams in the south added hockey at the same time to create a southern conference that could be more forgiving on things like smaller venues and even lower number of scholarships. This would if nothing else help make hockey cost less while the school built up interest in the sport that might warrant larger arena facilities.  You would need to get at least five schools to add hockey and convince Alabama Huntsville to leave the WCHA, not sure how keen the Chargers would be on leaving the WCHA, but the WCHA would probably role out the red carpet for them to leave and thank god that they have one less far-flung team in the league. Then they might start eyeing a sleeping UAA with a Pillow...

[cberkas]

Building a College Hockey Program

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/live/

[SiouxVolley]

Looks like the WCHA is still talking expansion and divisions.  If Arizona St had accepted, imagine Simon Fraser would have made it 12. Now, Simon Fraser will have to wait, as Minot St isnt ready, especially to finance a team  Maybe down the road.  But still believe that BGSU and maybe Ferris St and UAH are not long for this league.

http://content.miningjournal.net/sports/2017/08/a-closer-look-at-the-wcha/

 

 

[cberkas]

5 hours ago, SiouxVolley said:

Looks like the WCHA is still talking expansion and divisions.  If Arizona St had accepted, imagine Simon Fraser would have made it 12. Now, Simon Fraser will have to wait, as Minot St isnt ready, especially to finance a team  Maybe down the road.  But still believe that BGSU and maybe Ferris St and UAH are not long for this league.

http://content.miningjournal.net/sports/2017/08/a-closer-look-at-the-wcha/

 

 

Robertson won't let the super tournament thing go. He pretty much wants to ride the coat tails of the B1G and NCHC.

If a school out side the upper midwest joins the WCHA, the WCHA is going to want those schools outside the footprint to pay travel costs.

[SiouxVolley]

Heard that Nebraska isn't even getting a full share of a Big Ten distribution until next year.  Their conference proceeds they are getting now are less than what they would have go out of the B12.  Next year when they start getting the full distribution, the Huskers might make a sports move, but still itcould be later with all the departing coaches and AD'S guarantees having to be paid.

[cberkas]

58 minutes ago, SiouxVolley said:

Heard that Nebraska isn't even getting a full share of a Big Ten distribution until next year.  Their conference proceeds they are getting now are less than what they would have go out of the B12.  Next year when they start getting the full distribution, the Huskers might make a sports move, but still itcould be later with all the departing coaches and AD'S guarantees having to be paid.

A full share of B1G money won't fix the financial problems the University of Nebraska system has. 

[ArchyAlum11]

Looks like University of Mary will be starting an ACHA program next year. Seems like it could be a good fit in Bismarck.

 

http://news.umary.edu/university-of-mary-approves-ice-hockey-for-2018/

[moser53]

22 minutes ago, ArchyAlum11 said:

Looks like University of Mary will be starting an ACHA program next year. Seems like it could be a good fit in Bismarck.

 

http://news.umary.edu/university-of-mary-approves-ice-hockey-for-2018/

Read on Bisonville person said the people in Bisnarck could care less  about Nary College. What they want in the capital city is 4 year Bisnarck State. Nothing like getting your hands on tax dollars.

[cberkas]

1 hour ago, ArchyAlum11 said:

Looks like University of Mary will be starting an ACHA program next year. Seems like it could be a good fit in Bismarck.

 

http://news.umary.edu/university-of-mary-approves-ice-hockey-for-2018/

Bismarck needs more arenas. 

It's going to be hard to get ice time at VFW with the Bobcats, the high schools, and now Mary all playing there. The really messed up the addition to VFW when they put that in.

[UNDBIZ]

2 minutes ago, cberkas said:

Bismarck needs more arenas. 

It's going to be hard to get ice time at VFW with the Bobcats, the high schools, and now Mary all playing there. The really messed up the addition to VFW when they put that in.

Working on it, but still more to do.

http://www.bisparks.org/facilities/schaumberg-arena-expansion/ - Construction nearly complete in south Bismarck

http://starionsportscomplex.com/about/photo-gallery/ - Construction nearly complete in Mandan

[cberkas]

27 minutes ago, UNDBIZ said:

Working on it, but still more to do.

http://www.bisparks.org/facilities/schaumberg-arena-expansion/ - Construction nearly complete in south Bismarck

http://starionsportscomplex.com/about/photo-gallery/ - Construction nearly complete in Mandan

Looks like they got rid of the lockers on the west side of Schaumberg in the renderings. 

So this is a new arena in Mandan or part of the one at the high school that could have added a second sheet of ice to?

What they should do in Bismarck is use some of the land at Century and build a brand new two sheet arena there. 

[UNDBIZ]

8 minutes ago, cberkas said:

Looks like they got rid of the lockers on the west side of Schaumberg in the renderings. 

So this is a new arena in Mandan or part of the one at the high school that could have added a second sheet of ice to?

What they should do in Bismarck is use some of the land at Century and build a brand new two sheet arena there. 

Pretty sure it's a brand new 2 arena facility in Mandan.