June 14, 2012
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WCHA Says Meetings 'Productive'
CHN Staff Report
There is no new home for its postseason tournament, there is no resolution to the Alabama-Huntsville issue, but the nine members of the new-look WCHA said this week's meetings in Detroit were "positive and productive."
“This is certainly an exciting time for the newly-integrated WCHA,” said Minnesota State president Richard Davenport, who is the chair of the league's Presidents Council. “Our meetings this week were spirited and full of camaraderie, and we are all looking forward to the 2013-14 season. Across the board we are 100 percent committed to putting a highly-competitive product on the ice in the WCHA, to compete for championships, to give our student-athletes the best possible experience and to provide our fans with a great game-day experience. The WCHA brand is strong, historic and full of rich tradition and we will carry on that tremendous tradition and also build upon it.”
The schools discussed and approved a 28-game league schedule for 2013-14, the first year the new-look WCHA will play.
Without revealing details, the WCHA said it also approved a nine-team post-season tournament format.
In addition, the members discussed and updated the league’s by-laws, and continued discussions on potential venues for the annual WCHA Final Five playoff championship.
“We have accomplished a great deal and feel tremendously upbeat about where we are at as we look ahead to the 2013-14 season,” said WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod. “We have had very productive meetings with the coaches, athletic directors and presidents all present and we are united in moving forward to ensure the continued success of the WCHA and its member teams. We are also engaged in on-going discussions with various venues for our flagship event – the WCHA Final Five – and hope to finalize those championship plans as soon as possible.”
The league agreed on a change in governance where the Presidents Council act as the Board of Directors and the athletic directors serve as the Management Council. The Presidents Council also created a Steering Committee to coordinate and handle major issues going forward, consisting of Davenport, Ferris State President Dave Eisler, Michigan Tech athletic director Suzanne Sanregret and Bowling Green athletic director Greg Christopher.
The WCHA said that expansion was also discussed — believed to be in regards to Alabama-Huntsville, though that was not expressly stated.
