The Western Collegiate Hockey Association voted Thursday to admit the University of Alabama in Huntsville into the conference.
The addition of UAH brings the future membership of the league to 10 teams. Membership begins as soon as the 2013-14 season, and currently consists of University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bemidji State University, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota State University, Mankato and Northern Michigan University.
Said University of Alabama in Huntsville President Robert Altenkirch, “We’re pleased that our ice hockey team is going to have the opportunity to compete and grow in a NCAA Division 1 conference. We believe that our affiliation with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association will be a tremendous boost to our recruiting, scheduling and our ability to be competitive on the ice."
The WCHA is home to 37 national championship teams since 1951, and has been a 12 team league since 2011. Current members include the University of Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State University, Colorado College, University of Denver, Michigan Technological University, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State University, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of North Dakota, St. Cloud State University and University of Wisconsin.
In March of last year, the Big Ten announced plans for a new D1 men's hockey league. The league includes current WCHA members Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha, North Dakota and St. Cloud State.
