August 11, 2009
Huntsville's CCHA Bid Denied
Chargers' Program Left in Doubt as AD Says It's Time to Regroup
CHN Staff Report
The CCHA Council, comprised of athletic administrators and faculty athletic representatives, has voted by acclamation to deny Alabama-Huntsville's application to become a member of the conference.
“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,” CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos said. “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.”
Alabama-Huntsville faces the prospect of being a team without a conference next season. Its current conference, College Hockey America, is in its last season of play, with four teams. The other three programs in the conference -- Niagara, Robert Morris and Bemidji State -- have all since found new homes.
Meanwhile, the CCHA reduces to 11 teams next season, after Nebraska-Omaha decided to switch as part of this offseason's most dramatic news. That switch enabled Bemidji State to be accepted to the WCHA with UNO, starting in 2010-11.
Consequently, many believed UAH's acceptance into the CCHA would naturally follow from that. But it was never a foregone conclusion, due to monetary and competitive factors -- as evidenced by today's announcement.
This leaves UAH in a dilemma.
"I have no comment at this time," Huntsville athletic director Jim Harris said. "We're going to regroup a little bit."
BP in KCAug 11 2009, 5:25 pm
I still think this will end with Michigan Tech in the CCHA, Air Force in the WCHA, and Alabama-Huntsville in Atlantic Hockey.
uaafanblogAug 11 2009, 8:24 pm
UAA to the CCHA!
gogophersAug 13 2009, 3:11 pm
What a disappointment this has to be for the great hockey fans in Alabama. The school has shown a real commitment to college hockey battling through all types of obstacles. Is it too late for the WCHA to invite Alabama instead of Bemidji to? January in Alabama instead of driving to Bemidji?
RedstoneAug 17 2009, 6:18 pm
Hey BP, I believe you're right about UAH's move to Atlantic Hockey.....
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