2019-20 WCHA Hockey

[laker]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

Illinois shows just how difficult it is to start up hockey.

https://247sports.com/college/illino...ain-132974025/

[jaydin20]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

After coming off another championship season, any chance Minot moves up in the future?

[laker]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

Looks like it may be a WCHA wide rule with Saturday mens games starting at 6:07 PM

That would be fine with me. Living over 70 miles from Mankato, getting there early on a Saturday isn't a problem- getting home late can be. This coach turns into a pumpkin at midnight.

[Millsy]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

Looks like it may be a WCHA wide rule with Saturday mens games starting at 6:07 PM

[Millsy]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

More on Alaska-Anchorage's move back on campus to the Wells Fargo Sports Center

https://www.adn.com/sports/uaa-athle...VrRqxxn-OMBjKQ

[Millsy]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

UAA said they have plans to expand the seating at the Wells Fargo Student Center. I do not know anything about the design of the WFSC, but to me, increasing capacity from 750 to 2000 or 3000 seems to be a major remodel. Looking at the couple of pictures I have found online, walls would have to be blown out to increase seating.

[laker]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

Shane Frederick
?

@puckato
2h2 hours ago
More
Replying to @MavsLaker
Sullivan seats 6,400+, it appears, while the on-campus rink currently holds 750 (plans are to expand to 2,500). ... Carlson seats 4,500+ while the Patty on campus has a little over 1,000 currently.

[Millsy]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

The WCHA's statement on the move, they are okay with it.

http://www.wcha.com/men/articles/201...pJgozfKjrA-8B0

[Millsy]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

Shane Frederick
?

@puckato
8m8 minutes ago
More
Meanwhile, Alaska Fairbanks earlier this spring announced that it will remain in the Carlson Center this season but is looking to move back on campus within two years. The Nanooks' on-campus rink will serve as a backup home arena this season.

This is due to the Carlson Center's ice plant aging out and failing. It is out of compliance in 2020 (or is it 2022) with it still using Freon, and the State/City don't know if it will be replaced. I can't remember what the Patty Center seats on campus, maybe 2500?

[Millsy]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

UAA is moving their games to on campus. I was at Sullivan Arena for Gopher basketball back in 1994 when they won the Great Alaska Shootout. I would assume that their on campus building is much smaller, but I don't know what kinds of crowds that they draw.

https://www.uscho.com/2019/05/29/fia...ports-complex/

Posted on my Beaver Hockey Facebook Page (thebeaverpond)

State financial issues have forced Alaska Anchorage to move their home games from the city owned Sullivan Center (6,400 seats) to the on campus Wells Fargo Center, which has been their practice rink. It appears, from UAA's website, the Wells Fargo Center ice rink seats 750....

They have a fairly new basketball arena on campus, the Alaska Airlines Center, that seats around 5,000. When that was being built, there was a HUGGGGEEEEE push to have ice making capabilities put in. But, the powers that be, I can't remember is it was the State or the University Prez/AD axed that out. Would have been a very nice home for their hockey program.

http://www.goseawolves.com/ViewArtic...CLID=209866762

[laker]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

Shane Frederick
?

@puckato
8m8 minutes ago
More
Meanwhile, Alaska Fairbanks earlier this spring announced that it will remain in the Carlson Center this season but is looking to move back on campus within two years. The Nanooks' on-campus rink will serve as a backup home arena this season.

[laker]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

UAA is moving their games to on campus. I was at Sullivan Arena for Gopher basketball back in 1994 when they won the Great Alaska Shootout. I would assume that their on campus building is much smaller, but I don't know what kinds of crowds that they draw.

https://www.uscho.com/2019/05/29/fia...ports-complex/

[Millsy]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

I think that if they did, it wouldn't take long to get an invitation from the WCHA.

I'm not sure on their arena situation though........

Right now, that is the biggest stumbling block. They play their games at St. Thomas Academy out in Mendota Heights, which seats 1400.

They could probably try and get some ice time at one of the bigger Twin Cities arenas, but I don't believe there are any close to campus that would have D-I seating capacities.... Or maybe work something out with the U and Ridder Arena?

[laker]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

So, what are the chances we see St. Thomas make a move to get hockey to D-I? I have posted my thoughts over in the football thread.....

I think that if they did, it wouldn't take long to get an invitation from the WCHA.

I'm not sure on their arena situation though........

[Millsy]

Re: 2019-20 WCHA Hockey

So, what are the chances we see St. Thomas make a move to get hockey to D-I? I have posted my thoughts over in the football thread.....