Members of the WCHA and CCHA met jointly Tuesday in Chicago to discuss several matters facing both leagues due to impending college hockey realignment.
The agenda included sharing information about each league, engaging in productive discussions about the challenges that each institution and each conference face and seeking common ground to work together for the betterment of the parties involved and of college hockey in general.
In issuing a joint statement, WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod and CCHA commissioner Fred Pletsch said, “This was an important and productive meeting for all involved parties. We asked everyone in attendance to be open, honest and frank in discussing their concerns, hopes and visions for the future of their respective programs. We recognize that where there is change there is also opportunity. We plan to continue our discussions in the future and to continue to explore all options.
“One crucial thing that came out of the joint meeting today was the word ‘commitment.’ All of these institutions are totally committed to fielding the most competitive and successful programs possible and to provide the best possible experience for their student-athletes.”
Other topics discussed included sharing of institutional and hockey program information (including financial, facilities, community support, staffing and travel), scheduling and championship scenarios, and membership and league affiliation (including league size, automatic qualifiers, etc).
In attendance at the joint meeting were administrators from Alaska-Anchorage, Alaska-Fairbanks, Bemidji State, Bowling Green, Ferris State, Lake Superior State, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State, Northern Michigan, St. Cloud State and Western Michigan.
