The first step in the right direction

This have become a hot topic on the various hockey fan message boards. I have heard a lot of fans saying that BSU wouldn't add anything to the WCHA. First off that is silly in my opinion, first off they become a natural rival with UND, UMD, MSU-M and SCSU right away. All four team have played or play BSU on regular basis already. Lets not forget the fact the teams are a very short 2-3 hour drive away, well, Mankato is a little further away from Bemidji.

In this instance I applaud the WCHA for stepping up and helping a fellow hockey team out. I think it is the right thing to do. It also give BSU some time to get its arena all sowed up and ready to go.

WCHA to help Beavers

Bruce McLeod, Western Collegiate Hockey Association commissioner, told me Sunday night that the league and Bemidji State have an agreement in place that will help the Beavers with their future men's hockey scheduling.

Bemidji State's request to the league at the NCAA Convention in Nashville on Sunday is because College Hockey America is shrinking. If nothing changes, it will have only four teams next season -- Bemidij State, Alabama-Huntsville, Niagara and Robert Morris.

The WCHA was reportedly considering a four-year unbalanced schedule that would ensure Bemidji State had 12 games vs. WCHA teams each season, six home, six away. But a particular number of games might not be in the agreement. A source also said BSU was told it needs to get a new arena built if the alliance is going to work.

"We do have an agreement, but we're just kind of working out the final details," McLeod said in a telephone interview Sunday night.

The 10-team WCHA has had a moratorium on expansion since Minnesota State Mankato was admitted in 1996-97.

Jon Quistgaard, BSU president, said a statement will be released Monday.

"I think it was a positive meeting," Quistgaard said in a telephone interview. "We really appreciated the opportunity to be able to talk about our situation and what our goals are and our vision. ... I think we all came away from the meting better informed."