Compiled by MiCHO StaffIt appears once Nebraska-Omaha leaves the CCHA for the WCHA after this coming season, the CCHA is content with being an 11-team league after it rejected Alabama-Huntsville's application to join the league today.
UAH is one of four members of the CHA, a league about to start its 11th and final season. The other CHA schools (Bemidji State - WCHA, Niagara - Atlantic Hockey, Robert Morris - Atlantic Hockey) all will be joining new conferences for the 2010-2011 season.
Wayne State was a member of the CHA from 2000 until its program folded after the 2007-2008 season.
Still, Huntsville's rejection stings.
“Many people have put a lot of work into trying to make this happen - from all of the Chargers past and present through to Dr. Williams and the leaders in the city of Huntsville,” noted Charger head coach Danton Cole, a Pontiac native and former player at Michigan State. “I do not know what the future holds for the program, but we will be looking at our options and move forward in the best interest of the University.”
CCHA commissioner Tom Anastos, another ex-Spartan, explained why UAH was turned down.
"The league completed its due diligence of the application for membership submitted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville with careful consideration and discussion of various issues," stated Anastos. "At this time we have chosen to maintain our membership at its current level.
"The CCHA will remain focused on maintaining and strengthening our existing members to ensure the conference's continued success and long-term viability."
3 comments:
Bonehead move. It really leaves me wondering about the health of several teams within the league. UAH would be a great replacement for UNO. Obviously the CCHA members aren’t looking to replace UNO, and where probably happy to see them leave for the WCHA in that it reduces their travel costs.
I agree with ya Joel, I think the CCHA really missed the boat on this one. UAH is a commited program that I think would have been an asset to the CCHA over time.
Makes me wonder if they know/think that Bowling Green is on it's last legs and they may end up as a 10 team league by the end of the season.
Anastos is a tool. Short sighted and thinks that the CCHA is the only game in town.
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