The WCHA and CCHA were quick to issue statements after Penn State’s news conference Friday.
Here’s WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod:
“Any time we receive news like this we are all excited, and on behalf of the entire membership of the WCHA, we welcome Penn State to the world of college hockey and wish them all the best.
“It is an affirmation of the strength of our game that such a prestigious institution would choose to add a program at this time and it is indeed a great day for hockey. The institutions that make up the WCHA are committed to the future of college hockey and the addition of Penn State is another positive step in that direction.”
And here’s CCHA commissioner Tom Anastos:
“We are excited to hear that Penn State has decided to launch Division I men’s and women’s hockey and will be making such a substantial commitment to the sport. The CCHA and our entire membership welcome them to the college hockey family and look forward to supporting their transition into Division I hockey over the next several years.
“The CCHA’s formation 40 years ago was based on the development of emerging programs and, as we set our sights on our next 40 years, we look forward to working with programs such as Penn State and hopefully others, in providing leadership that will increase the profile of college hockey and foster continued growth.”
