(Video) NCHC Frozen Faceoff 30 Second Spot

Nice video, I really like the way the NCHC is marketing the league.

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NCHC Shootout numbers

Today, I was bored and the topic of the Shootout has had a lot of discussion as of late. Some of the discussion has been in favor of the shootout and, others have down right slammed it.  I am in favor of the shootout, I think it’s a good way to settle “regular” season games that are tied after regulation and after the overtime is over.

Yesterday, Vancouver Canucks head coach John Tortrella said, "That gimmick should be out of the league."

November 8, 2013: Denver vs. C.C. Denver wins in a shootout against C.C. 2-1 in two rounds.

Shootout goals DU: Joey LaLeggia (1-1), David Makowski (1-1).

Shootout Goals C.C.:  0

Shootout Records DU: Joey LaLeggia (1-1), David Makowski (1-1)

Shootout Record: C.C.:  Charlie Taft (0-1), Alexander Krushelnyski (0-1)

DU Shootout Record 1-0 – C.C. Shootout Record 0-1

___________________________________________

November 22, 2013: SCSU vs. C.C., The Tigers win in a shootout against the Huskies 3-2 in three rounds.

Shootout goals C.C.:  Scott Wamsqanz (1-1)

Shootout goals SCSU: 0

SCSU shootout record: Joey Benik (0-1), David Morely (0-1), Kalle Kossila (0-1).

C.C. shootout record: Scott Wamsganz (1-1), Alexander Krushelnyski (0-1).

C.C. Shootout Record 1-1 – SCSU Shootout Record: 0-1

___________________________________________

December 7, 2013: UNO vs. C.C., the UNO Mavericks win in a shootout win against the Tigers (4-3) in four rounds.

Shootout goals UNO Mavericks:  Josh Archibald 1-1, Ryan Walters 1-1

Shootout goals C.C. Tigers: Alexander Krushelnyski (1-1)

Shootout records C.C. Tigers: Alexander Krushelnyski (1-3), Scott Wamsganz (1-1), Alex Roos (0-1), Jordan DiGiando (0-1), Jordan Slaven (0-1), Charlie Taft (0-1).

Shootout record UNO Mavericks: Josh Archibald (1-1), Ryan Walters (1-1), Michael Young (0-1), Johnnie Searfoss (0-1).

C.C. Shootout Record: 1-2 – UNO Shootout Record: 1-0

___________________________________________

As you can see by the data, there’s hasn’t been a lot of shootouts in the NCHC this season. They’re just not occurring with very much frequency. Ironically, there have been three shootouts in NCHC play and Colorado College has been involved in all of them.

Shootout Standings

UNO 1-0

DU 1-0

C.C. 1-2

SCSU 0-1 

Lambert on the NCHC....

This is what Ryan Lambert of Puck Daddy fame had to say about the NCHC on CHN. It would be interesting to see how many college hockey games that he has actually watched this season?

NCHC

Colorado College: This would have to be one hell of a “second-half surge.”
Denver: Yeah, 5-3 sounds just about right for a Denver win at UMass. I very much buy that as a reasonable result.

Miami: Riley Barber as captain of the US World Junior team seems like a no-brainer. One of the few returners, and he's very, very good. Given the amount of ice time he's been eating up for the RedHawks this year, he might never come off the ice in Sweden.

Minnesota-Duluth: The reason Justin Crandall isn't a goalie, and instead is the best forward on UMD this season, is that after his brother Aaron and his dad Jeff both played that position, his mom said he couldn't.

Nebraska-Omaha: I guess that yes, it is fair to say Jake Guentzel and Josh Arbcibald have been "key contributors" for the Mavs this season, given that the latter is a point-a-game player and the former is third on the team in assists as a freshman.

North Dakota: Oh a kid from Grand Forks committed to UND? Seems like that was a slam dunk. They've only been recruiting him his whole life.

St. Cloud: The St. Cloud Times gives the Huskies an “A” for the first half, which they say is “grading on a curve.” No need for a curve, they're just one of the best teams in the country.

Western Michigan: Lawson Arena got a scoreboard upgrade over the summer because NCHC rules mandated it, but apparently any talk about a new arena any time soon is just wishful thinking. “Lawson looks very nice,” said WMU athletic director Kathy Beauregard, stretching things a little.

So, we are to  believe that the National Collegiate Hockey Conference was built on entitlement, I find that statement interesting. So, only the Big Ten Hockey Conference was allowed to forward their interests. All others had to stand fast. Actually, if anything, the re-alignment allowed a team (UAH) to find a conference and this will allow for future expansion. I am not convinced that we're done moving teams around, just yet.

This seems not to have stopped the NCHC from trying to make itself more impressive, which is apparently the kind of thing we should have come to expect from a league built on entitlement more than anything else. When the Big Ten was announced, all the “prestige” programs, or whatever you want to call them, that were being left behind in the CCHA and WCHA simply decided that they couldn't be bothered slumming it against these other, lesser programs which were beneath their status and probably contempt, and thus was born the “National” Collegiate Hockey Conference, which is a curious name considering that on a geographical basis it ignores all the parts of the nation not between Ohio and Colorado.

That there was a fan vote to name the finals of the conference tournament is all good and well, and settling on the Frozen Faceoff (perhaps by design not more than a little evocative of “Frozen Four”) earlier this month, which beat out the NCHC Championship, is a little icky but not in the end that big of a deal.

(Video) NCHC Top 5 Goals of the Week; Rocco Grimaldi number one

Congrats to UND forward Rocco Grimaldi, he scored the top goal of the week in the NCHC again this week One thing about Rocco, he has the propensity to score highlight reel goals.

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Bowling Green Unhappy with Travel in WCHA?

Central Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here's a rumor that's was floated by the BGSU Hockey beat writer.

First off, I see no way the members of the current NCHC would ever let Bruce McLeod run a league that they're part of.  So, if there was movement, it would be under the terms of the NCHC schools. Also, Western Michigan was offered an invitation to the WCHA, that they turned down. This was also the same school that was very interested in getting into the NCHC. So, to suggest that they would just up and leave the NCHC, I would question that was one, right away. That does sends up a big flag. Also, Miami has one of their own guys as Commissioners of the NCHC.  It will be interesting to see what else comes out of this. Remember BGSU is the only Division I school in the WCHA. Also, they were the last school to join the new WCHA. I see little chance of WMU and Miami leaving the NCHC to be in a league with BGSU.

CHANGES?: Bowling Green could be headed back to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

Or at least the Falcons could be returning to some form of their old league.

Rumors are circulating throughout college hockey that the next round of realignment could be coming to the sport - even though the latest realignment just took effect this fall.

With the increased travel costs and leagues no longer geographically aligned, schools already are looking at even more realignment - and they're not waiting to see how the current setup works.

Depending on the rumor of the day, there's talk more league changing will take place in the next 3-5 years.

BG appears to be well on its way to contending for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association championship.

And the program is finally on a solid foundation financially, and has the backing of present school and athletics department administrators.

That puts the Falcon program in better position for next round of realignment.

The most popular rumor regarding BG and the other CCHA leftovers which joined the WCHA leftovers in a new WCHA has some or all of the CCHA schools getting back together.

They could be joined by former CCHA members Western Michigan and Miami of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference; or even Canisius, Mercyhurst, Niagara or Robert Morris of Atlantic Hockey.

BG, Miami and Western are members of the Mid-American Conference in all other sports. The four Atlantic Hockey Schools discussed CCHA membership in the past.

The other NCHC members are Denver, Colorado College, Miami, Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota and St. Cloud.

The other members of the WCHA are CCHA leftovers Ferris State, Alaska, Lake Superior and Northern Michigan; WCHA leftovers Alaska-Anchorage, Bemidji State, Michigan Tech and Minnesota State; and former NCAA Division I independent Alabama-Huntsville

Now, in his weekly chat, SCSU Husky beat writer Mick Hatton did suggest that BSU and MSU-M could be added to the NCHC. Actually, I had heard a rumor similar to this more than once, from two different people, but that rumor has since died off. Brad Schlossman also said that he thinks that the league will add two teams in the next 3-5 years as well.

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Hump Day Links: UND versus SCSU

Good Morning UND Nation... The first NCHC home series is almost here. Yay! Here are some the things that are taking place in the college hockey world.

Utah (ECHL) has received G Aaron Dell (@UNDMHockey) from Norfolk (AHL).
— Let's Play Hockey (@LetsPlay_Hockey) October 30, 2013

Nick Bjugstad #FLAPanthers #NHL article RT @MLewsy11: new article http://t.co/tRUyPWUJ8L…
— Ben Hankinson (@benhankinson) October 30, 2013

#WMUHockey team excited to host Colorado College in Broncos' first #NCHC series | http://t.co/HDDTsFPpCe
— David Drew (@Drew_on_WMU) October 30, 2013

With the #RedSox in the World Series people forget about the #Bruins #THW #hockey http://t.co/KOihShhEh8 via @thehockeywriter
— Mark Graham (@MarkWGraham) October 30, 2013

@CDHendricks22 Yeah, no TV in this area for the series. You can get it on PPV on the web. More on UND's TV situation http://t.co/bXjmsjRRUn
— Mick Hatten (@MickHatten) October 30, 2013

SCSU men's hockey practice Tuesday as the #huskies prepare for UND series #scsuhockey @ Herb Brooks… http://t.co/uyGgNI1fb0
— Mick Hatten (@MickHatten) October 29, 2013

Rocco Grimaldi's North Dakota Strong jersey goes for $1,710 in the auction to raise money for breast cancer research.
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) October 29, 2013

You can almost buy packages to both the B1G and NCHC tourneys (9 games) in MSP for the same price as the West Regional a week later.
— Nate Wells (@gopherstate) October 29, 2013

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

When looking at the match-ups this weekend, it almost is the NCHC versus the state of New York!  There are four series against teams from New York.

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

Colorado College……….1-1-0…….….…3
Miami……………………..1-1-0……….....3
Minnesota-Duluth……….1-1-0……….…..3
North Dakota…………….1-1-0……….….3
Denver……………………0-0-0…………..0
Nebraska-Omaha……….0-0-0…………..0
St. Could St………………0-0-0…………..0
Western Michigan………0-0-0…………..0 

Non-Conference Games

Colorado College @ Clarkson

Last weekend the Tigers split their first ever NCHC home series with the Bulldogs, winning the opener 3-1 and dropping the next game 5-1.

The Tigers travel this weekend to Potsdam, NY to visit the 4-1-1 Golden Knights of the ECAConference.  Since it is early in the season, I will have to give the nod to the new NCHC in this series.  TIGERS 3-pts

#10 St. Could St. @ Colgate

The Huskies also travel to NY this weekend; they are going to Hamilton, NY to play the Raiders of Colgate, who happened to be 2-2-1 on the season.

Last season the Huskies made the Frozen Four and the Raiders lost in the first round of the ECAC tourney.  This one is an easy pick for me, SCSU SWEEP.

Niagara @ #17 Denver

Last weekend the Pioneers lost to Alaska in OT, 3-2 and to Alaska-Anchorage the next night 3-2 in OT, at the Alaska Gold Rush Tournament.

The 1-2-1 Purple Eagles from Niagara NY and members of the Atlantic Hockey Conference will be landing in Denver this weekend to play a pair of games.

With the Pioneers dropping a pair of games last weekend up in Alaska, I wonder about them…but let’s face it, AH isn’t the best league out there.  PIONEERS 3-pts

#2 Notre Dame @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Bulldogs split their first ever NCHC home series with the Tigers, they dropped the first game 3-1 and winning the second 5-1.

The number two team in the nation takes their way 4-0-0 record to the DECC this weekend for another weekend series on Lake Superior (they were at MTU last weekend).  These teams already have a common opponent already, MTU, UMD won and tied them, ND swept them.  I’ll take Notre Dame for 3-pts this weekend.

#19 Cornell @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Mavericks split their first series with the Wildcats from NMU, winning the opener 2-1 and dropping the next game 6-3.

The Big Red from Ithaca, NY and of the ECAC, take the ice for their first official games of the season this weekend.  The Mavericks have eight of their next ten games at home. After this series, their home games get much harder #6 NoDak, #4 Michigan,  and #3 Miami, ouch (and away at Denver).  I know it is early in the season, but these are some must win games already.  SPLIT.

Exhibition Games

US U-18 TEAM @ #6 North Dakota

Last weekend UND split their first ever NCHC road series with the Redhawks, winning the opener 4-2 and dropping the next game 6-2.

Being an “un-official” game, I’m officially picking UND to win, you know, to keep balance in the universe.

BYE WEEK

#3 Miami

Western Michigan 

Tuesday Links

There's quite a few newsworthy items in the college hockey world.

The crest for the soon-to-be christened USS North Dakota nuclear attack submarine is outstanding: pic.twitter.com/sMFS0pAI0T
— Sioux Tradition (@SiouxTradition) October 22, 2013

@TheNCHC pk numbers pretty good minimum 10 kills. NoDak-4th, UMD 6th, DEN 7th, CC 9th, Miami 21st.
— Dave Starman (@DStarmanHockey) October 22, 2013

DU assistant will leave Pioneers: http://t.co/GWQaIczaeE #NCHCHockey #cawlidgehawkey #collegehockey
— Joe Paisley (@Paisleyhockey) October 22, 2013

Congrats to our #NCHCFan of the Week @saraj323, who drove 16 hours to see @UNDMHockey play at Miami in NCHC opener! pic.twitter.com/GcTCfPgy4t
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) October 21, 2013

Read: The Danny Kristo Season So Far http://t.co/p6abtjpJAH
— Adam Rotter (@AdamRotter) October 22, 2013

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College Hockey Sunday Evening Links

For those keeping track at home, there were two NCHC series this weekend, and both of these series ended in a series split. I believe it’s a preview of things to come. This league is going to be a head knocker, and there will be no easy wins in the NCHC. Every game is going to be a war. A team can’t take a night off and expect to win the league championship. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the truth.

In case you forgot, last season, four of the eight teams in the NCHC made the NCAA playoffs. Half of the league went to the NCAA tourney and the other half that didn’t make the NCAA tourney, could be in contention to make the tourney this season.  One of the teams (Saint Cloud State University) made the Frozen Four, losing to the eventual runner-up Quinnipiac University.

Tigers pay tribute to late @ColoradoCollege hockey teammate Scott Winkler http://t.co/GHiZiZ4vpE #cctigers @TheNCHC
— The Gazette (@csgazette) October 20, 2013

NCHC Weekend Recap - http://t.co/tInSHckap8 #NCHChockey
— Matt Christians (@Matt_Christians) October 20, 2013

For all those asking there will not be a BMT season 6. After 4.5 great seasons we have decided to retire the show. #BMTtalk
— Brad Miller Time (@BMTUND) October 21, 2013

No. 1 Miami bounces back to get series split against UND http://t.co/AOqyO5Rj44
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) October 20, 2013

Postgame comments from Stephane Pattyn, Colten St. Clair and ... http://t.co/jcVDP2ostF
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) October 20, 2013

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UND Hockey: More on the Shootout

The NCAA hockey season kicked off this past weekend with a series of exhibition games and three regular season games. The newly founded National Collegiate Hockey Conference is set to begin play this season. The NCHC will use the shootout to break ties during conference match-ups, if the game is tied after a standard five-minute overtime period.  

Like I mentioned in an earlier article, while this move is going to be a controversial to some NCHC hockey fans, I think it’s a smart move by the NCHC to adopt the shootout.  Why not? To me, it seems like a no-brainer.  According to College Hockey Inc., Division I College hockey is responsible for providing and supplying about 30 percent of the players that play in the NHL. If Division I college hockey is going to continue to be a top development league and a route to the NHL, College hockey rules “should” closely mirror those of the NHL. I believe this is a move in the right direction.

Last night during the exhibition game the Manitoba Bison, at the end of the game, the two teams had a shootout. It was a practice run for UND. UND outscored the Bison 2-0 with UND goalie Zane Gothberg stopping both Bison shooters that he faced.

In interviewing some of the players on the UND Hockey team, they do seem excited about the prospects of the NCHC using the shootout to break ties. This past week, UND goalie Zane Gothberg was asked about the new league and unsolicited he brought up the shootout.

“I am looking forward to it, especially with the shootouts that they’ll have at the end of the game, if there’s a tie,” Zane Gothberg said. That will be kind of cool.

Junior forward Michal Parks was asked about his thoughts on the shootout and this is what he had to say.

“I like it,” Parks said. “It will make our game more like the NHL game.”

To be honest with you, I am excited about the shootout as well. I think it’s going to be an exciting feature of the NCHC. I also believe the fans, for the most part, will embrace them.

For those that are interest in online betting, check out this site Ice Hockey betting online.

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UND Hockey Jersey's for 2013-14

Here's the new UND Hockey Jersey's via the NCHC twitter account. Thoughts? Based on some of the responses I have seen, I maybe in the minority, but I like these jerseys. I did confirme with the UND Hockey team, that there’s no difference in this season’s jersey from last year.

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NCHC Hockey: Shootouts in the NCHC?

Overtime Power Play Face Off (Photo credit: clydeorama)

I was out all weekend mowing grass at the hunting shack, so this isn’t as new as it could be. It still should add to the debate and feel free to chime in if you like. Or not! Perusing Brad Elliot Schlossman’s blog last week I see that he had this blurb on this media blog.

The NCHC has not finalized anything on shootouts yet, but I’m hearing that it is very, very likely that they will be used for Year 1. Official word on that could come fairly soon.

The point system would be sort of similar to the one used in the CCHA – 3 points for a regulation or OT win, 2 points for a shootout win, 1 point for a shootout loss, 0 points for a regulation loss. The one twist the NCHC is considering is giving a point for an OT loss like the NHL.

The games will still officially go down as a tie for NCAA tournament purposes. So, when I write game stories about a shootout, I will say the game ended in a time and Team A got an extra point for winning the shootout (as I do with WCHA women’s games now).

I think this is an awesome idea. If the NCAA is going to be looked at as developmental hockey league for the professional ranks, why not have a league that more closely resembles NHL play? Wouldn’t that make more sense? Of course it does. Sure, it sucks for the beat writers working on a dead line. Thoughts on the NCHC using shootouts to breaks ties during NCHC play? Also, I like the points system. Just for the record, I have never seen anyone ever leave a game because they went to a shootout. I don’t care what some say.

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USA Hockey Trims Camp Roster

Here is the roster for the Team USA's National Junior Evaluation Camp, after it was cut down from 43 to 31 players. Not that many players from the CHL this year. 

GOALIES: 

Thatcher Demko, Boston College, HE (2014 draft eligible) 

Jon Gillies, Providence, HE, (Calgary)

Anthony Stolarz, London, OHL (Philadelphia)

DEFENSEMEN:

Michael Brodzinski, Minnesota, BIG 10 (San Jose) 

Will Butcher, Denver, NCHC (Colorado) 

Connor Carrick, Plymouth, OHL (Washington) 

Connor Clifton, Quinnipiac, ECAC (Phoenix) 

Matthew Grzelcyk, Boston University, HE (Boston) 

Ian McCoshen, Boston College, HE (Florida) 

Brett Pesce, New Hampshire, HE (Carolina; 

Steven Santini, Boston College, HE (New Jersey) 

Patrick Sieloff, Windsor, OHL (Calgary) 

Brady Skjei, Minnesota, BIG 10 (N.Y. Rangers)

FORWARDS: 

Riley Barber, Miami, NCHC (Washington); 

Taylor Cammarata, Minnesota, BIG 10 (N.Y. Islanders) 

J.T. Compher, Michigan, BIG 10 (Buffalo) 

Andrew Copp, Michigan, BIG 10 (Winnipeg) 

Thomas Di Pauli, Notre Dame, HE (Washington) 

Adam Erne, Quebec, QMJHL (Tampa Bay)

 Hudson Fasching, Minnesota, BIG 10 (Los Angeles)

 Jake Guentzel, Nebraska-Omaha, NCHC (Pittsburgh)

Nicolas Kerdiles, Wisconsin, BIG 10 (Anaheim)

Stefan Matteau, Rimouski, QMJHL (New Jersey)

Michael McCarron, London, OHL (Montreal)

 Tyler Motte, Michigan, BIG 10 (Chicago)

 Boo Nieves, Michigan, BIG 10 (N.Y. Rangers)

 Daniel O'Regan, Boston University, HE (San Jose)

Henrik Samuelsson, Edmonton, WHL (Phoenix)

Quentin Shore, Denver, NCHC (Ottawa)

Zach Stepan, Minnesota State, WCHA (Nashville)

Dominic Toninato, Minnesota-Duluth, NCHC (Toronto)

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NCHC CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS ON SALE NOW TO GENERAL PUBLIC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Ticket packages for the inaugural National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Championship are now on sale.  Fans are being encouraged to purchase tickets early to reserve their spot for this historic event. The four-game packages can be obtained for as low as $15/game. Packages start at $60 for an upper level ticket while fans can enjoy the action up-close in the lower bowl for $130. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here or visiting the newly released conference website, NCHCHockey.com.

In addition to the great game action, fans will have the opportunity to experience the NCHC Fan Fest, featuring interactive games, food and beverage specials, music, and pep rallies throughout the weekend. More details about the Fan Fest will be released at a later date. 

"The NCHC is committed to providing a championship experience for our student-athletes, coaches and passionate fans,” said NCHC Commissioner, Josh Fenton. “Fans investing in the championship weekend will be provided an unrivaled and unique experience while watching the best college hockey has to offer."

The puck will drop on the NCHC’s inaugural championship weekend on Friday, March 21, 2014 with two semifinals. The third-place and championship games will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2014. Game times are still being determined and will be released at a later date. All games will be held at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.  As previously announced, the Target Center will be the home to the NCHC Championship for the next five years.  

“Target Center is thrilled to be hosting such an exciting and prestigious event,” said Target Center Vice President/General Manager, Steve Mattson.  “When event ticket packages go on sale to the general public, those inaugural ticket purchasers will become a part of hockey history.” 

Through its partnership with Meet Minneapolis, the NCHC has secured fan hotel blocks at several Minneapolis hotels within walking distance to Target Center. To secure your hotel for the championship click here or visit NCHCHockey.com. 

“Our new conference website can be used as a portal for fans to find anything they need to know about the Championship weekend,” stated Fenton. “The entire Minneapolis area, including Meet Minneapolis and Target Center, has shown great enthusiasm for our championship weekend.”

To learn more about the NCHC Championship Tournament, purchasing tickets and reserving a hotel room, please visit the NCHC website at NCHCHockey.com.

For information on group tickets please contact the Target Center directly at 612-673-1311 or nchchockey@targetcenter.com.

The NCHC, which includes member institutions Colorado College, Denver, Miami, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha, North Dakota, St. Cloud State and Western Michigan, begins its inaugural season on October 18, 2013, with a double-header featuring North Dakota at Miami and Colorado College hosting Minnesota Duluth. Games times are to be announced.

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NCHC to launch new web page on August 1, 2013

New site countdown http://t.co/27rSfWbFbb @CCTigers @DU_Hockey @MiamiRedHawks @UMDBulldogs @omavs @UNDMHockey @SCSUHUSKIES @WMUHockey
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) July 16, 2013

The NCHC is set to launch it's new web page on August 1, 2013 and I am sure there will be some that will have a great time with this one,  because we know that Webpages make a conference. Right? Here is what's posing as a webpage for the Big Ten Hockey Conference right now.

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NCHC Hockey: Jim Scherr Accepts COO Position with European Games

Colorado Springs, CO (Friday, May 31, 2013) – The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) announced today that NCHC Commissioner Jim Scherr has resigned effective immediately in order to accept the position of Chief Operation Officer for the inaugural European Games.

Scherr, who has served as NCHC Commissioner since January 2012, will oversee the operation of the 49-nation Games in Baku, Azerbaijan -- which will feature up to 10,000 athletes -- in June 2015.

“We knew when we hired Jim that there would come a time when there would be competing bids for his services,” said NCHC Chairman of the Board and University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Brian Faison. “We are grateful for what Jim has done in his time with the NCHC and we are very happy that he has the opportunity to return to the Olympic sports world with the European Games in Baku. We know his expertise will greatly benefit their event.”

Prior to his appointment with the NCHC, Scherr served as the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure in that role, he oversaw the U.S. contingent at the 2004 Summer Olympics (Athens), 2006 Winter Olympics (Turin), and the 2008 Summer Olympics (Beijing), while managing a budget in excess of $150 million. Scherr was appointed USOC CEO after having served for 10 years as the Executive Director of USA Wrestling. A former wrestling standout himself, Scherr was a three-time national champion and a 1988 Olympian.

“Jim was presented with what is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Ken Ralph, NCHC Treasurer and Colorado College Director of Athletics. “While it is difficult to see him go, we understand his decision. With what has already been done with our bylaws, operating manuals, office setup and personnel, officiating program, and championship site, we are in a great position for our inaugural season.”

“Serving as commissioner of the NCHC has been a tremendous experience and it is a difficult position to leave behind,” said Scherr. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Board for understanding the opportunity presented to me, and for working with me to make it a reality. I regret that I will not be there to lead the conference through its inaugural season, but I have full confidence in the coaches, administrators and conference staff that the NCHC will set the standard for excellence in college hockey.”

Faison said that a search for a new commissioner would begin immediately.

The NCHC, which begins its inaugural season in 2013-14, includes member institutions Colorado College, Denver, Miami, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha, North Dakota, St. Cloud State, and Western Michigan. 

[Link to official press release]

Big story of the afternoon: Jim Scherr might be leaving the NCHC

The "big story" to break this afternoon is that NCHC commissioner Jim Scherr might be leaving the NCHC to take another job. Okay, more power to Commissioner Scherr for possibly getting another opportunity, I have never faulted anyone that has had an opportunity to better themselves and move on.

Brad Schlossman, Grand Forks Herald -- Prior to joining the NCHC, Scherr was the chief executive officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

UND athletic director Brian Faison, the chair of the NCHC board of directors, said he’s aware of Scherr’s discussions with “another job opportunity,” but says nothing has been finalized yet.

“The NCHC board of directors is well aware that commissioner Scherr has been approach with another job opportunity,” Faison said in a statement. “The recent published reports that Jim has already accepted a position are erroneous. He has been forthcoming with information regarding a competing bid for his services. Since this is an internal personnel matter, the conference will offer no further comment at this time.”

No matter what the NCHC does, there are going to be the distractors and haters. That is just a fact of life. To these haters, nothing the league does is going to change their opinion. Some of the haters are the foam at the mouth variety. The fact that the University of North Dakota is involved in the NCHC makes their foaming at the mouth a bonus. All it is; is blind hatred and jealousy. That's what this boils down to.

There were a lot of people that are upset with what transpired two summer ago and will always hold a grudge towards the way things were handled. I don't blame them, it could have been handled better. Maybe the optics were that great and there were a few glitches getting the league off of the ground but none of them have marveled the WCHA's questionable tournament marketing scheme.

That being said, there are some that just can't help themselves. I have had a lot of discussion with other fans, bloggers and media types about the formation of the NCHC. It's water over the bridge. None of us were asked for our opinion, so really we're just bystanders.

So how does that affect the average fan that will be watching college hockey this fall and winter. Won't mean a thing. The fans are going to go the game no matter who is running the league office.

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