The Minnesota State Mankato men's hockey program has applied for membership in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), a preliminary move that calls into question the program's future in its current league, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).
"We have certainly enjoyed our long-standing relationship with the WCHA," MSU Mankato President Richard Davenport said in a statement released by the school. He added later in the statement: "With an eye to the future, we wanted to be proactive in seeking what's best for the University and believe that now is the right time to consider all conference affiliation options for our men's hockey program."
A timetable for a potential departure from the WCHA is unclear, though Davenport said this is the "beginning of the process, while we explore possibilities with the NCHC."
MSU Mankato has had a Division I men's hockey program since the 1996-97 season and joined the WCHA for the 1999-2000 season. The Mavericks stayed in the league during the recent upheaval that saw the Gophers and Wisconsin join the Big Ten along with several former WCHA teams jumping to the newly formed NCHC.
The WCHA has 10 teams: Alabama-Huntsville, Alaska, Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State, Bowling Green, Ferris State, Lake Superior State, Michigan Tech, MSU Mankato and Northern Michigan. The eight teams in the NCHC are: Colorado College, Denver, Miami (Ohio), Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha, North Dakota, St. Cloud State and Western Michigan.
WCHA Commissioner Bill Robertson said in a statement: "I am deeply disappointed in Minnesota State's decision to formally apply for membership with another conference; however, I respect and understand the need for MSU President Dr. Richard Davenport and athletic director Kevin Buisman to examine options pertaining to their men's hockey program."
