The CCHA has admitted Nebraska-Omaha as its 12th member, starting with the 1999-2000 season. The decision ended months of speculation about the affiliation of the program, which also was considering membership in the WCHA before that conference admitted Mankato State University last month.
“We are delighted to welcome [Nebraska-Omaha] into the CCHA family,” said Anastos.
“This is a great day for UNO and the Omaha metropolitan community with our acceptance into the CCHA. Conference play will add to the excitement that has been generated in the first year of Maverick hockey,” said UNO chancellor Nancy Belck.
Said athletic director Bob Danenhauer, “The strongest attractions for us to join the CCHA were the financial benefits, the fact that we can begin play next season, and the fan appeal that the CCHA member schools will have in our area.”
“The players and coaching staff are extremely excited about the prospect of playing in such a prestigious conference as the CCHA in the 1999-2000 season,” added head coach Mike Kemp.
Nebraska-Omaha played its first season in 1997-98, compiling a 12-18-3 record as an NCAA Division I independent. The Mavericks’ average attendance of 8,314 was second-best in the nation.
