Penn State gets hockey

it would make sense for the rodents to go to a Big 10 hockey division financially but damn do i wish they would stay in the WCHA just something magical about fighting SCSU,UND and Wisconsin don't think the big 10 would be the same

Well, Wisconsin would likely move to the big 10 as well, so that's not an issue. Also, there's enough games available where they could play the big rivals from the WCHA in the non-conference schedule if it were to happen.

The money available if a Big 10 hockey league existed would make the move a no-brainer.

Here's more speculation...

Quote :

Gopher men’s hockey coach Don Lucia told the Duluth News Tribune on Tuesday that he did not think Penn State would add a men’s division-one team without the assurance that it would be playing other Big Ten schools.

In an interview with the Daily, Wisconsin men’s coach Mike Eaves said, “My understanding [is that] the gentleman giving the money is only giving the money if there’s a Big Ten league coming together.”

Possibly in preparation for the shake up, the WCHA added Bemidji State and Denver to the conference this year.

Obviously an error at the end of that one, as Denver has been there for quite some time, but Nebraska-Omaha is the other to join...

Quote :

Various sources, including WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod, have said the Big Ten could start playing games in four years. At that time, Minnesota and Wisconsin would cut ties with the WCHA and Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State would leave the CCHA.

Penn State's plunge into Division I hockey is the key to this scenario. With the Nittany Lions, the Big Ten would start with at least six teams, the minimum needed to have a viable conference schedule, to play for a conference title and to secure an automatic bid for its playoff champion to the NCAA tournament.

that dude needs to know Denver has been in the conference for a while, think he meant omaha-nebraska

also i know that they can play but its just not as magical seeing UND and UofM and Wisconsin trying to fight for the top spot. what about the frozen 5 we have in the WCHA, while i know that the money will be there and UofM is leaving i just don't like it

The FINAL 5 will still be there, don't see why it wouldn't. Only Minnesota and Wisconsin would be leaving the WCHA.

i know it will still be there but with out two strong programs its not the same, there is less magic, and doesn't feel the same. I am speaking from my point of view here the WCHA won't be nearly as interesting.

But the quality of competition on a week to week basis for the Gophers would increase exponentially, which makes recruiting easier.

Who do you think a young incoming D-1 player wants to face off against... Nebraska-Omaha and Michigan Tech or Michigan and Michigan State?

The Gophers would get the tougher Big Ten schdule, while also being able to play UND and SCSU each year, without having to fly off to Alaska to play the dregs of College hockey.

Also, ok... the Final 5 wouldn't be as interesting to you, as you care more for the Gophers etc... but the Big Ten title would mean much much more! I guarantee you'd find that extremely interesting whether you are able to be there each year or not. You don't get to the Stanley Cup playoffs each year, but it's still extremely interesting right? That's because of the quality of play! The Big Ten title would have that going for it more so than any other conference in College Hockey until the National Tournament of course.

true, i'm just saying its going to take a while to adjust not being part of WCHA any more.

Also, the Gophers would benefit greatly in terms of the Big Ten Network as well! More exposure!

i dunno how i feel about it, i am torn really.

I love the history of the WCHA, but it would be fun to play and watch other Big 10 schools build up their own rivalries. Would for sure crossover to Michigan a lot more.

But there's the real beauty of it. With a small 6 team conference... say each team plays a total of 4 times each, that leaves a whopping 14 non-conference games! EASY to maintain the historical rivalries established.

the only problem with the new big 10 is going to be Penn State they will suck dick for like 10 years.

Someone has to suck in every conference right? Ohio St. isn't exactly a great team either. Would you rather have a MASSIVE school that can bring money backing it being the cellar dweller or would you rather that be a tiny school that brings absolutely nothing to the table of the conference?

I for one would rather have the Gophers in a conference where all teams can pull their weight.

Even with Penn St. sucking, the Gophers strength of schedule would shoot through the roof adding more games vs Michigan and Michigan St., keeping the games vs Wisconsin, and being able to pick their rivals for the 14 non-conference games.

its happening no way its going to be stopped with all that money on the table i wonder if any other schools will get their programs updated, you have to think with recent success of the Black Hawks either Illinois or NW try to get on board in D1.

Well, what happens when the Big Ten decides to expand again and Notre Dame joins? They already have a D-1 team... Most people think that ND joining the Big Ten within the next 5yrs is also inevitible.

I know Iowa and Illinois are the closest of the current Big Ten schools to having a club team make the transition. Indiana also has a club team on the verge themselves, but financially can't afford to build a bigger facility needed to make the jump.

It's possible in a decade or so there could be 10 Big Ten D-1 teams.

lol, so then we could dub ourselves The Original 6 of Big 10 hockey