Bill Robertson, who helped the Minnesota Wild start from scratch as an NHL franchise, is the new commissioner of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Robertson, 53, succeeds Bruce McLeod, who retired after 20 seasons with the league.

"I am excited about this wonderful opportunity to help lead and guide the WCHA for many years to come," Robetsons said in a news release. "It is truly an honor to serve this iconic sports and collegiate hockey conference, while showcasing some of the top student-athletes and institutions in the country."

Robertson was Vice President of Communications and Broadcasting for the Wild from 1999-2011. He also has worked for the Anaheim Angels, the Mighty Ducks and the Timberwolves. He is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton.

The WCHA saw a major shakeup before last season when Minnesota and Wisconsin left to join the Big Ten, and other WCHA and Central Collegiate Hockey Association teams helped form the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. The remaining teams from the WCHA and the CCHA re-formed the 10-team WCHA, which now includes Minnesota State, Bemidji State, Alabama Huntsville, Alaska Anchorage, Alaska (Fairbanks), Bowling Green, Ferris State, Lake Superior State, Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan.