Click here to listen to the College Hockey Tonight Summer Special with Scott Williams & Moose Richards... The podcast will feature BSU Athletic Director Rick Goeb, BSU Hockey Coach Tom Serratorre & Matt Read
Saturday, July 16, 2011
College Hockey Tonight - Summer Special the BSU response to the NCHC
Click here to listen to the College Hockey Tonight Summer Special with Scott Williams & Moose Richards... The podcast will feature BSU Athletic Director Rick Goeb, BSU Hockey Coach Tom Serratorre & Matt Read
Friday, July 15, 2011
MSU Moorhead says "The Time is Now"
I credit the Fargo Forum's Eric Peterson for guessing correctly but...
According to MSUM AD Peters, MSU Moorhead is pushing towards starting up a DI Men's and Women's Hockey program and has just under half of the money raised to start it up (They say they have $15 million of the required $37 million). They have been exploring starting up DI hockey since 2009.
It's interesting to me that they are exploring this given the state of affairs in Minnesota education financially. The hockey program already has no plans to be funded institutionally, which means it has to be funded privately. How do they plan to raise and maintain such a commitment? Will the WCHA be willing to take on this type of a risky partnership? What if MSU Moorhead decides to go for the program and ends up not being able to get the $37 million? Or worse, what if they manage to successfully start up the program and then run out of funds within the first 5 years of their existence?
To make matters more complicated, there's NCAA Legislation (2010-100) that may not even allow MSU Moorhead to even compete in the manner in which they do. Here is the Proposal 2010-100 (which, by the way, passed legislation and is now set to become NCAA Policy):
According to MSUM AD Peters, MSU Moorhead is pushing towards starting up a DI Men's and Women's Hockey program and has just under half of the money raised to start it up (They say they have $15 million of the required $37 million). They have been exploring starting up DI hockey since 2009.
It's interesting to me that they are exploring this given the state of affairs in Minnesota education financially. The hockey program already has no plans to be funded institutionally, which means it has to be funded privately. How do they plan to raise and maintain such a commitment? Will the WCHA be willing to take on this type of a risky partnership? What if MSU Moorhead decides to go for the program and ends up not being able to get the $37 million? Or worse, what if they manage to successfully start up the program and then run out of funds within the first 5 years of their existence?
To make matters more complicated, there's NCAA Legislation (2010-100) that may not even allow MSU Moorhead to even compete in the manner in which they do. Here is the Proposal 2010-100 (which, by the way, passed legislation and is now set to become NCAA Policy):
In August 2007, the Board placed a four-year moratorium on consideration of new members that expires in August 2011 when the legislation would take effect, if it is adopted. The moratorium was prompted by the presidents’ view that the division should assess the impact of membership migration and develop updated expectations and requirements for membership.
The Leadership Council constructed the new standards were constructed over a period of 18 months. The recommendations include:
- A requirement that all new Division I members first spend at least five years as active members in Division II.
- New Division I members must have a bona fide offer of membership from a Division I multisport voting conference.
- A four-year reclassification process would be created for new members.
- An application fee would be established commensurate with the estimated annual average value of direct benefits of Division I membership through distributions and championships (approximately $1.3 million currently).
- No school subject to a historically based penalty under the Academic Performance Program would be elected to active membership.
- Preliminary certification would be required in the first year of reclassification, and a full compliance review would be required before election to active membership.
- New members would be eligible for revenue distributions related to sport sponsorship and grants-in-aid after three years as an active member. Institutions would qualify immediately for Student-Athlete Opportunity, Special Assistance and Academic Enhancement Funds, as well as basketball grant funds as determined by its conference.
- The practice of allowing schools to sponsor a single sport in a different division would be eliminated, except in sports where no championship is conducted in its division. Divisions II and III schools currently taking advantage of this opportunity would not affected unless they fail to conduct the sport in Division I for any ensuing year.
- The Administration Cabinet would be responsible for review of the reclassification process and appropriate benchmarks.
- The Board would vote to elect institutions to active membership (not the Leadership Council).
Leadership Council members believe – and Board members agree – that the recommendations consider a variety of factors, including allowing student-athletes access to championships (by requiring five years of Division II membership before reclassifying) and protecting the Division I “brand” (by requiring compliance with some Division I standards earlier in the reclassification process and tying the application fee to benefits derived from membership).
I bolded the important part of the proposal. What this means is that, though SCSU, MTU, and MSUM fall under the same situation (Hockey is their only DI sport), they've been a part of a DI conference since 2009-2010 (before that, but that's the line stated in the proposal). MSU Moorhead will not have had such a history. So the question is, if they do decide to go DI in hockey, how do they do it? They will have to act faster, unless I misinterpret the moratorium placed in 2007, than the 3 months their AD has defined.
In the end, it might've been better for a school like Concordia College of Moorhead to jump to DI because they've already established a DIII hockey team. But they're not interested, or haven't shown that they were anyhow.
Who knows what they'll do and if they'd be even allowed to do it. Throw in the finances and I feel that this is very much a long shot.
UW men's hockey: Big Ten schedule link to new league unlikely
Image via WikipediaThis caught my eye the second time that read this article. Of course they don't want to enter into a formal arrangement, the BTHC and the NCHC are going to need to schedule teams from the CCHA and the WCHA.Andy Baggot; Madison.com --- he debut of the NCHC in three years coincides with that of the Big Ten Conference, which includes Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State and the University of Wisconsin.
The new alliances would offer great scheduling possibilities, but don't look for the leagues to enter into a formal arrangement, at least at the outset.
The general feeling from people in both leagues is that the degree of difficulty would be too high if Big Ten and NCHC teams loaded up their non-conference schedules with one another. Both conferences are expected to seek more balance between the other Division I leagues.
That's not to say UW wouldn't look to continue rivalries forged in the WCHA and transferred to the NCHC, thus augmenting its 20-game schedule of Big Ten opponents, but it's unlikely that there will be a defined scheduling link.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
MSU-M making a announcement tomorrow…
Dom Izzo the Sports Director for WDAY-TV Channel 6 in Fargo, ND tweeted this tonight on Twitter.
BREAKING: #MSUM has called a press conference for tomorrow at 1 to update it's status on creating a D-1 Hockey Team, more info to come #MSUMI imagine they are either going announce that they are joining the WCHA or they are going to not be starting a Division I college hockey program.
Message from SCSU President Earl H. Potter III
I am wondering if this refutes this statement; -> “We expected to be in conversations about being in a new league,” Potter said today “But as we looked at it ... we intended to say ‘no.’ ” [Previous statement from SCSU President Earl H. Potter III]
Center Ice Club:
We know that there are numerous rumors circulating about St. Cloud State’s hockey program, most of which are false. St. Cloud State is engaged in sensitive conversations about the future of college hockey and we are unable to engage in public conversations. The one rumor that we can clarify is that St. Cloud State was never invited to join the new conference and thus we did not turn down an invitation.
Also know that we are working diligently to assure that Husky Hockey remains a leader on the national level – a position we have maintained since the outset more than two decades ago. We anticipate significant changes in college hockey across the country including in the WCHA, the new NCHC and the CCHA in the coming months. In the meantime, the WCHA is in place for the next two years in its 12-team format. Just as soon as we are able to go public with information, we will communicate with you and all of our Husky Hockey fans.
We appreciate your loyalty to Husky Hockey and to St. Cloud State University.
Earl H. Potter III
President
St. Cloud State University
JT Miller Bolts for OHL
Image via WikipediaUND Incoming Recruit, or former incoming recruit, apparently will not play for UND in the fall and instead bolt for the OHL Plymouth Whalers. The report was confirmed by Guy Flaming of the Pipeline Show. Here's his article:
The Pipeline Show has now confirmed with the player himself that New York Rangers prospect J. T. Miller is indeed detouring away from his NCAA commitment to North Dakota and will instead play for the Plymouth Whalers in the OHL.
Miller will be a guest on TPS this Saturday to discuss in more detail.
The Ohio product was chosen 15th overall by the New York Rangers last month at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in Minnesota. His first appearance on The Pipeline Show was back in April and he confirmed to us back then that he would officially decide after the draft where he would play next year.
This is obviously a blow to the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota who have lost 6 of their top 7 scorers from last year to graduation or to pro hockey (Jason Gregoire).
I can say that this isn't much of a surprise. I had a feeling he'd end up in Plymouth. What was disappointing was that it comes before his freshman year rather than after it. I felt that he'd bolt before his sophomore season, but would play one season in Grand Forks first.
I'm wondering if this isn't another Trevor Lewis type deal. IIRC, Trevor Lewis committed to the University of Michigan and then signed a pro contract with the LA Kings who assigned him to the Owen Sound Attack (OHL). It gets Miller past his rookie contract quicker, sure, but it will pressure him to develop faster as well. Though this isn't impossible and Miller could very well be up to it (Lewis just completed his first full season with LA this year and did ok), it does put a bit higher pressure on Miller.
Oh well, I guess. Tough blow for UND. Wish Miller the best. I wonder if this news makes the Cichy transfer more painful? Probably not with the fans. I got the feeling that many commentors didn't much care for Cichy.
The time for MSUM to move on hockey is now?
Image via WikipediaEric Peterson from the Fargo Forum has this article on his blog Peterson's Perceptions today. I honestly don't see MSU Moorhead having a suscessful Division I hockey program, this is a schools that can't even field a successful football program in the NSIC. I would be very surprised if this happened.MSUM may never have a chance like this again.
The 2013-14 school year looks to be the time when the music stops on this conference musical chairs.
That’s the year when the University of North Dakota, Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota-Duluth and Nebraska-Omaha leave the Western Collegiate Hockey Association for a newly formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference. That same year, Minnesota and Wisconsin are also leaving the WCHA for a newly formed Big Ten hockey conference.
That means the WCHA and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association will both be looking to fortify their leagues with teams, maybe even start-up teams, if both conferences survive the shakeup.
MSUM already has some solid ties with WCHA schools like St. Cloud State, Minnesota State Mankato and Bemidji State, because those three schools are affiliated with the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (like MSUM) in their sports other than hockey.
The real million dollar question for the Dragons is do they have the millions (educated guess: $30-40 million) to launch a self-sufficient hockey program.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
More on the NCHC...
Image via WikipediaThe NCHC had their first press conference in Colorado Springs today and I found a couple of interesting things in a newspaper article written by Fighting Sioux Hockey beat writer Brad Schlossman that caught my attention. There has been a lot of stuff thrown out there this past week and Brad's article put things in perspective. Brad Schlossman; Grand Forks Herald --- The new league, which has taken considerable flak from the national media since its formation was reported last week, de-bunked several myths.Wow!!! We were told that all of the WCHA members voted to stay with the WCHA during the annual American Hockey Coaches Association convention that was held last May in Florida. As you can see now that claim has been refuted with these comments from UND athletic director Brad Faison. So there seems to be a schism among the members of the WCHA.
The most notable: These schools did not vote to stay together at April’s WCHA meetings in Florida, which had been previously reported.
Brad Schlossman; Grand Forks Herald ---In fact, the idea of the new conference was brought up and was met by a proposal by one athletic director to mandate a six-figure fine for those leaving the league. That proposal was never voted on.From reading the comments of the article above you can see that the league was not just slapped together haphazardly, it looks like a lot of thought has been put into the formation of this college hockey conference. It will be interesting to see what kind of a TV deal the new league can get. I like most Fighting Sioux Hockey fans would love to be able to watch every single game home and away on television, that would be a major accomplishment. Not many Division I college hockey teams can make that claim.
Clearly, though, there were concerns from a few schools. And the more they talked, the closer they moved to starting a new conference.
“The more we talked, the more we recognized what we had in common,” Omaha athletic director Trev Alberts said. “I can’t tell you that there was any specific athletic director or head coach leading the charge. It just happened naturally out of the course of informal conversations.”
Both Faison and Ralph said the talks between the athletic directors have been very productive.
“The level of professionalism in these meetings has been astronomical, it has been through the roof,” Ralph said. “It’s so exciting, so invigorating to be in these meetings. The quality of administrators is second to none. I’m really proud to be part of it.”
The athletic directors confirmed that multiple national outlets have contacted them about broadcasting games. Sources say that Versus, which will soon be re-branded NBC Sports, is one of them.
Faison said the goal is for all games — home and road — to be televised.
“We’ve already had preliminary interest from some national media,” Faison said. “For Fighting Sioux fans, I expect that we’ll find ourselves in position where every game we play will be on TV, which is huge. Television certainly brings some revenue, but the reality is that the exposure, whether it be for recruiting or projecting back to our alumni, is important. We have a good TV platform. This will just enhance that in a dramatic fashion.”
Lastly, I also want to know how a league that is set up by the member schools, who hire the commissioner would allow that league commissioner to fine their member schools six figures for leaving a league? That seems odd to me.
The NCHC press conference
Here was the press conference in question. Some have been less than impressed with the introduction of the new league... Oh well, not much was said, they kept it simple.
Hakstol on the new league...
Here is what Fighting Sioux head hockey coach Dave Hakstol had to say about the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Hakstol said, 'there is not a final number, it's a matter of being able to add the right programs, programs that fit the mentality and the mind set of the current six institutions.'
The WCHA response...
Image via WikipediaBetter late than never eh? I have been very disappointed in the WCHA's response to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. This is the WCHA's official response. MADISON, Wis. – The Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) today issued the following statement from Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod in response to the announcement that five current men's league member teams will depart following the 2012-13 season to form a new hockey conference that will begin play in 2013-14. Those teams are Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha and North Dakota.
"Obviously it's a tough day for the WCHA and a sad one for me personally," said McLeod, "and it's one that is not easy to put into perspective. We wish everyone well, but make no mistake, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association is not going away. The league will proudly mark it's 60th season this fall and we will continue to operate as a full-fledged Association and continue to do business the way we always have – in a first-class and forward-thinking manner.
"The history of the WCHA includes numerous eras of expansion and contraction but what has remained constant has been our success – both on and off the ice. Our remaining member institutions – Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State and St. Cloud State – are absolutely committed to both Division 1 hockey and the WCHA and as an Association we will continue – as we always have – to provide a first-class product. We remain firm in our belief both that the game of college hockey is the best there is and that the WCHA will always be at the forefront of doing what is in the best interests of our sport. We look forward to promoting and enhancing the student-athlete experience, building on positive relationships with our local communities and fans, exciting rivalries and battling for championships.
"As regards to our future," said McLeod, "the WCHA has a short-term plan that we will implement immediately. In the long-term, we will continue to formulate a strategic approach that will ensure the well-being of this Association and it's member teams for the long run. As a group, we remain committed and we are 100% confident our future remains bright."
The WCHA, home to a record 37 national championships teams since it's founding in 1951, will continue to operate as a 12-team conference for the upcoming 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. Current members consist of University of Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State University, Colorado College, University of Denver, Michigan Technological University, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State University, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of North Dakota, St. Cloud State University and University of Wisconsin.
Earlier this year (March 21) the Big Ten announced the formation of a new Div. 1 men's hockey conference that will begin play in 2013-14 and include current WCHA-members Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The truth will set you free...
Image via WikipediaI have said all along there is a common denominator starting to surface... I have said for a long time that Bruce McLeod has to go and should be removed as commissioner of the WCHA. Andy Baggot's latest revelation kind of reveals what is driving this new conference. Andy Baggot; Madison.com --- Five Western Collegiate Hockey Association schools -- Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota -- joined forces with Miami (Ohio) out of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association to form a new allegience starting in 2013-14 that was revealed last week.
One of the biggest questions has to do with how the proud and powerful WCHA allowed this to happen. Why would these premier members abruptly abandon a recognized 12-team brand to begin anew?
A college hockey source may have provided it Wednesday morning a couple hours before the presidents, athletic directors and coaches from the six schools took questions.
The source said that officials at Denver and North Dakota strongly questioned the direction of the WCHA during the annual American Hockey Coaches Association convention in Florida in May. There was sentiment to force long-time commissioner Bruce McLeod to step down, but the source said that while people from multiple schools inched up to that line, "no one crossed it.''
When the notion came up of schools possibly seceding from the WCHA instead, it was met with the threat of six-figure fines per institution.
Obviously, that didn't go over very well.
Guentzel returns to Minnesota...
Image via WikipediaOn the day that the NCHA was making their big announcement the University of Minnesota was usurping the less than impressive National Collegiate Hockey Conference press conference to announce they have re-hired Mike Guentzel as Associate Head coach. University of Minnesota Press Release --- University of Minnesota men's hockey coach Don Lucia announced today the hiring of Mike Guentzel as Associate Head Coach.
Guentzel, who played defense for Minnesota from 1981-85 and served as an assistant coach for the Gophers from 1994-08, rejoins the Maroon and Gold staff after one year as an assistant coach at Nebraska Omaha during the 2010-11 season. From 2009-10 he was the head coach and general manager of the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers and he was an assistant coach at Colorado College from 2008-09.
"I wanted to hire a Minnesota alumnus, someone who could work with the defensemen, and someone familiar with the WCHA," said Lucia. "Mike has all the qualities I was looking for and it was an easy decision. Mike knows the league, Gopher Hockey, and also has a tremendous relationship with Grant Potulny and Justin Johnson. He is also energized and excited to be a part of the transition to the Big Ten."
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
BGSU AD Christopher not surprised by the formation of new league
John Wagner; Falcon Fodder --- BGSU athletic director Greg Christopher said he wasn’t surprised by the formation of the new league, which also is expected to include Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota.Here is the question I wish someone would ask; why is it that some athletic directors and commissioners of the various schools/leagues that "were not" in the mix to be in the new College Hockey Super League knew the league was a possibility, whiles others did not? Do these people not spend any time on their computers at work or at home? Seriously!!! I think we have a communication problem in Division I hockey or at least a disconnect.
“I had heard rumblings about a new conference almost immediately after the Big Ten announcement,” he said. “I’m disappointed some schools have left college hockey in such a fragile state that other schools may be forced to drop hockey or won’t have a place to play in the future.”
While it’s unclear what league Bowling Green eventually will call home, Christopher said the school’s commitment to the program won’t change.
Notre Dame to the new conference?
Kevin Pates; Rink and Run --- Will the conference have a name by Wednesday? Is Notre Dame and/or Western Michigan, also of the CCHA, any closer to joining the conference? Has a commissioner been selected? (Colorado College AD Ken Ralph has been in the forefront, along with North Dakota AD Brian Faison). Has a public relations director been selected? (Bill Robertson recently left the employ of the Minnesota Wild). Is there a cable TV deal in place? (Rink and Run speculated about Versus, but it was speculation).
Here’s one hint on Notre Dame from high schooler Mario Lucia of Wayzata, Minn., at the Minnesota Wild prospects camp this week. When asked by Minneapolis Star Tribune writer Roman Augustoviz about Lucia’s possible college selection Lucia said:
“I’ve talked to Notre Dame and they’ve told me they are probably going to move into that super conference.”
OK, that’s one question answered. The complete Augustoviz blog post is here.
New York Times; North Dakota and N.C.A.A. Are at Odds Again Over University’s Sioux Mascot
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Emma G. Fitzsimmons; New York Times --- For many North Dakotans, the future of the logo — a profile of an Indian with feathers in his hair — is personal. Grant Shaft, the president of the state’s Board of Higher Education, went to law school there and said five generations of his family attended the university. But Mr. Shaft says it is time for the university to move past the matter and comply with N.C.A.A. guidelines.
“My roots with the Fighting Sioux nickname go as deep as anybody,” he said. “The reality of the situation is that the Aug. 15 date is looming, and we’re starting to realize the consequences are really untenable for the athletics department.”
The University of North Dakota is the last college still wrangling over how to get rid of its nickname and logo since the N.C.A.A. issued a policy in 2005 that banned American Indian mascots because they were seen as hostile and abusive. More than a dozen universities have already dropped such names.
The university tried over the last three years to receive an exemption by getting approval from both Sioux tribes in the state, Spirit Lake and Standing Rock. Although some members of the Spirit Lake tribe said they considered the nickname an honor and sued to preserve it, ultimately both tribes could not agree on the issue.
The N.C.A.A. agreed to attend the meeting with state officials this month, but reiterated that it would not change its policy. Bob Williams, the association’s vice president of communications, said: “We need to have a discussion about how they are going to comply with the policy or how they are going to be subject to the provisions of the policy. That’s it.”
Still, Al Carlson, the Republican leader in the State House, and other legislative leaders plan to make their case for keeping the name. Mr. Carlson, who did not return calls, told reporters earlier this year: “The alumni, the people that attend there, overwhelmingly want to keep the Fighting Sioux nickname.”
A spokesman for Mr. Dalrymple, a Republican, said: “The governor is going to Indianapolis because he wants to listen firsthand to the discussion between Al Carlson and the N.C.A.A. He’s trying to understand all points of view.”
Listen to the press conference on the new league
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A press conference will be held on Wednesday announcing that the University of North Dakota and five other schools are forming a new college hockey conference, and FightingSioux.com is here to provide comprehensive coverage for the best fans in college hockey.
Fans can watch the live, free webcast starting at 12 p.m. CT.
Fans can also participate in a live chat beginning at 11:45 a.m. CT, hosted by assistant athletics director for media relations Jayson Hajdu and new media editor Matt Schill:
Update on the REA...
Image by lirena via FlickrHere is the latest on the Ralph Engelstad Arena...Nice to see that none of the hockey schools that are scheduled will have to be rescheduled, moved, postponed or cancelled. Of course I have heard all kinds of jokes and suggestions that this fire is surround by suspicious circumstances. I do not believe that is the case.Grand Forks Herald --- Cleaning up after its July 3 fire will take more time, Ralph Engelstad Arena officials said Monday.
According to a news release, the fire began in a cluster of speakers located above center ice. No structural damage occurred, but smoke damage was prevalent throughout the building.
The smoke damage left behind a film of soot that will take several weeks to remove.
“It is an extensive process,” said Chris Semrau, director of media relations for the REA.
As part of the cleaning process, the Sioux Shop will remain closed this week. An official reopening date will be determined later this week.
Merchandise in the store during the fire has been removed, and new merchandise will take its place, officials said.
Semrau said the fate of the damaged merchandise is still being determined.
“It’s one of the many things we’re discussing with the insurance company,” he said. “We’ll know more in the coming weeks.”
Illegal Curve on former Sioux Jason Gregoire...
Kyle from the Illegal Curve has a nice write up on former Fighting Sioux leftwing/forward Jason Gregoire. Recently Jason Gregoire decided to forgo is last year of eligibility to sign an entry level deal with the Winnipeg Jets.
More on Gregoire after the jump.
The versatile left-winger left school after his junior year to take advantage of a cap loophole and make himself a free-agent. Fielding offers from several teams, Gregoire decided on the home-town Jets.
Going forward, Gregoire figures to be in the mix for a job on the left wing with the big club. A 1989 birthdate, Gregoire will bring a mature game to camp and Illegal Curve would not be surprised if he made the club in a 3rd-line checking role or a 4th line energy role. A left-handed shot (quick release and accurate), Gregoire is said to be very coachable and well-liked in the room.
Standing not quite 6’ tall and tipping the scales at nearly 200 pounds, Gregoire can play a variety of styles and could make himself a valuable addition to Coach Noel’s depth chart. The aforementioned hockey sense, coupled with his preference to play up-and-down the wing and his knack for scoring timely goals would seem to indicate that he would slot in somewhere between 3rd and 6th on the Jets current left-wing depth chart.
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