Next American School to have DI Varsity Hockey

[swoopster]

I would have to go with Syracuse as well. Geographically makes sense adding another NY school to the ECAC. Would set up for a great East West Division, all capable of being done by bus.

 

[No Fun Shogun]

Call me a homer, but Illinois makes the most sense. Only problem is that the state budget (or lack thereof) is an absolute mess, so not anticipating it any time soon.

That being said, the new AD seems to be unusually competent by Illini standards, so fingers crossed he's working the phone trying to get a rich alumnus to cough up a few dozen million for a new ice arena and funding for male and female teams. Then again, that's essentially the barrier for any school.

 

[Short Shorts]

There's 2 criteria to make a D1 hockey team from scratch:

1.) $30M donation
2.) If arena doesn't exist, an additional $30M-$60M


So don't expect to see any more teams any time soon.

 

[Aero 75]

Exactly what would be required if one of the ACHA teams in Texas hope to make the jump to NCAA D1 in the next 5-10 years. University of Texas did play a few games each season at Cedar Park Center north of Austin in years past, but they now play all home games at Chaparral Ice in Austin. TCU and North Texas play in arenas that could host an NCAA D1 team. Texas - El Paso has a decent arena, which could be replaced with a new arena in the near future. Texas - El Paso also receives good coverage from the local media.
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/col...ub-hockey-flourishing-texas-future-ncaa-sport