Is the WCHA's Style of Play Scaring off Potential Recruits?

If you're a recruit in the WCHA, you might want to think twice after reading this newspaper article by Matt Wellens, Duluth News Tribune. Former Alaska-Fairbanks sophomore forward Peter Krieger has transferred to UMD and will be eligible for the 2017-18 season. His reason for the transfer, he's tired of the whatever-it-takes style of play. Translation, he's tired of the clutching and grabbing.

“I wish I would have asked the hard questions and really looked at their style of play, because that’s what ultimately caused me to leave,” said Krieger, who mustered only nine goals and 24 assists in two seasons with the Nanooks as a wing. He played center in juniors and high school. “I got along great with the coaching staff, the guys on the team. I have nothing but great things to say about it.”

Krieger described the style of play in the WCHA as hard-working, but not as skilled, with the exception of Michigan Tech, Minnesota State and Bowling Green. He said most teams in the WCHA are staying away from a skilled game to a “whatever-it-takes-to-win” style.

This is a relatively easy problem to fix. It's time for a change, the WCHA needs to hire a new head of officials and move on. Until they do, the status quo will remain the same in the WCHA. Second, they will need to change the focus of the officiating crews in the WCHA.  Thoughts?