WCHA expanding to 12 teams
OMAHA, Neb. -- The University of Nebraska at Omaha and Bemidji (Minn.) State will join the Western Collegiate Hockey Association after this season, expanding the league to 12 teams.
"I am extremely pleased to announce that the Western Collegiate Hockey Association is expanding to twelve teams," said WCHA Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod in the conference's press release. "With the addition of Bemidji State University and the University of Nebraska Omaha the WCHA solidifies and positions itself to maintain and expand upon the excellence that is the WCHA.
"This is certainly a defining moment for the WCHA and we are proud to add Bemidji State and Nebraska Omaha to our already strong organization."
UNO had been part of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Bemidji State was with the College Hockey America league. The Beavers said the four-team CHA will disband after next season.
"The pieces are all falling into place for Bemidji State hockey," stated BSU Director of Athletics Dr. Rick Goeb.
UNO entered the Michigan-based CCHA for the 1999-2000 season after the school's efforts to join the WCHA stalled.
"The WCHA is an outstanding conference with a long history of excellent players and coaches," Nebraska Omaha Director of Athletics Trev Alberts explained. "When we were approached about admission, we took a long look at all aspects of a move to the WCHA. In the end, we felt there were many long-term benefits to our program. We're excited about becoming a part of the WCHA's rich tradition of outstanding hockey."
The WCHA, which announced the expansion Friday, also includes Alaska-Anchorage, Colorado College, Denver, Michigan Tech, Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota State-Mankato, North Dakota, St. Cloud State and Wisconsin.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report
