The unofficial online home for fans of the Western Michigan University Broncos. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(11-23-2015 02:58 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  Surely there has to be a link to some published article or media mention out there if it was an option. Right?

WMU Issues Statement Regarding WCHA Invitation

WCHA Extends Membership Invitations to Five CCHA-Member Schools

Western had been offered into the WCHA when we were waiting on Notre Dame's decision. We sat on it until Notre Dame went east and then the NCHC invited us and St. Cloud St. SCSU actually entered the new WCHA and then withdrew for the NCHC.

(11-23-2015 03:19 PM)bronconick Wrote:  Western had been offered into the WCHA when we were waiting on Notre Dame's decision. We sat on it until Notre Dame went east and then the NCHC invited us and St. Cloud St. SCSU actually entered the new WCHA and then withdrew for the NCHC.

That is consistent with my recollection. It was a tough decision for sure, and I do not disparage our administration for making the decision it made, even if I disagreed with it. It would be tough to say "no thanks" if the Big Ten or SEC asked WMU to join in all sports. I get that, and I understood the attraction to the NCHC too. I must say though that trying to coattail ND was not a good thing. WMU needed to stand on its own and do what was right for us, considering all the factors.

(11-23-2015 03:19 PM)okgc Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 02:58 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  Surely there has to be a link to some published article or media mention out there if it was an option. Right?

WMU Issues Statement Regarding WCHA Invitation

WCHA Extends Membership Invitations to Five CCHA-Member Schools

LOL. Does that help refresh your recollection letterman?

(11-23-2015 04:00 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 03:19 PM)okgc Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 02:58 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  Surely there has to be a link to some published article or media mention out there if it was an option. Right?

WMU Issues Statement Regarding WCHA Invitation

WCHA Extends Membership Invitations to Five CCHA-Member Schools

LOL. Does that help refresh your recollection letterman?

I really don't remember that. Thanks for the links.

Sure glad we didn't go to a second rate, 1 bid conference like the WCHA though.

If we were just hiring AFM, how much could he have influenced the decision?

(11-23-2015 03:58 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 03:19 PM)bronconick Wrote:  Western had been offered into the WCHA when we were waiting on Notre Dame's decision. We sat on it until Notre Dame went east and then the NCHC invited us and St. Cloud St. SCSU actually entered the new WCHA and then withdrew for the NCHC.

That is consistent with my recollection. It was a tough decision for sure, and I do not disparage our administration for making the decision it made, even if I disagreed with it. It would be tough to say "no thanks" if the Big Ten or SEC asked WMU to join in all sports. I get that, and I understood the attraction to the NCHC too. I must say though that trying to coattail ND was not a good thing. WMU needed to stand on its own and do what was right for us, considering all the factors.

I guess I was focused on that whole "our friends at ND" deal from our AD.

I didn't remember the piece about the WCHA inviting us. Thought that conference was more of an after thought when the dust settled than anything.

(11-23-2015 04:03 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:00 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 03:19 PM)okgc Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 02:58 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  Surely there has to be a link to some published article or media mention out there if it was an option. Right?

WMU Issues Statement Regarding WCHA Invitation

WCHA Extends Membership Invitations to Five CCHA-Member Schools

LOL. Does that help refresh your recollection letterman?

I really don't remember that. Thanks for the links.

Sure glad we didn't go to a second rate, 1 bid conference like the WCHA though.

If we were just hiring AFM, how much could he have influenced the decision?

Ya, ferris is glad we didn't too. They may not have been the wcha team playing in the NCAA championship game two years ago if WMU would have joined that league. And the other schools in the wcha aren't complaining either since they have been able to squeeze three NCAA bids out of their one bid conference, which the NCHC couldn't beat until last year.

(11-23-2015 07:39 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:03 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:00 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 03:19 PM)okgc Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 02:58 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  Surely there has to be a link to some published article or media mention out there if it was an option. Right?

WMU Issues Statement Regarding WCHA Invitation

WCHA Extends Membership Invitations to Five CCHA-Member Schools

LOL. Does that help refresh your recollection letterman?

I really don't remember that. Thanks for the links.

Sure glad we didn't go to a second rate, 1 bid conference like the WCHA though.

If we were just hiring AFM, how much could he have influenced the decision?

Ya, ferris is glad we didn't too. They may not have been the wcha team playing in the NCAA championship game two years ago if WMU would have joined that league. And the other schools in the wcha aren't complaining either since they have been able to squeeze three NCAA bids out of their one bid conference, which the NCHC couldn't beat until last year.

Now you're saying the WCHA is stronger?!

You're all over the map. Remind me to pay parking tickets on time in your district. I don't want to be hauled in to your bench.

(11-23-2015 07:39 PM)brovol Wrote:  Ya, ferris is glad we didn't too. They may not have been the wcha team playing in the NCAA championship game two years ago if WMU would have joined that league. And the other schools in the wcha aren't complaining either since they have been able to squeeze three NCAA bids out of their one bid conference, which the NCHC couldn't beat until last year.

Ferris played in the NCAA championship game when they were still in the CCHA in 2011-12, missed the NCAA tourney the next year still in the CCHA, won a game in the NCAA tournament in their first year in the WCHA, and missed the NCAA tournament in their second year in the WCHA. I'd say their WCHA results have been mixed, but they appear to be on the decline from their CCHA days.

I don't know. Ferris is 4-2 in two tournament appearances over the past four seasons. That's pretty darn good. We'd be knocking ourselves out if we had that type of tournament record.

(11-23-2015 11:15 PM)Charm City Bronco Wrote:  I don't know. Ferris is 4-2 in two tournament appearances over the past four seasons. That's pretty darn good. We'd be knocking ourselves out if we had that type of tournament record.

I agree, i'm just saying that most of those wins came when they were in the CCHA, they are 1-1 since joining the WCHA, and didn't make the tournament last year. It's not like the WCHA has led them to incredible success.

(11-23-2015 08:43 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 07:39 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:03 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:00 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 03:19 PM)okgc Wrote:  WMU Issues Statement Regarding WCHA Invitation

WCHA Extends Membership Invitations to Five CCHA-Member Schools

LOL. Does that help refresh your recollection letterman?

I really don't remember that. Thanks for the links.

Sure glad we didn't go to a second rate, 1 bid conference like the WCHA though.

If we were just hiring AFM, how much could he have influenced the decision?

Ya, ferris is glad we didn't too. They may not have been the wcha team playing in the NCAA championship game two years ago if WMU would have joined that league. And the other schools in the wcha aren't complaining either since they have been able to squeeze three NCAA bids out of their one bid conference, which the NCHC couldn't beat until last year.

Now you're saying the WCHA is stronger?!

You're all over the map. Remind me to pay parking tickets on time in your district. I don't want to be hauled in to your bench.

I noticed, every time you clearly lose the debate, you claim that I said something quite opposite to what I actually said, as if it wasn't all written and posted for everyone to read. I never even remotely suggested the wcha is better than the nchc. To the contrary, I have always said the nchc if far better in terms of its strength, but that the wcha is a better fit.

You called the wcha is a second rate one bid league. I pointed out that you are wrong. The wcha is a competitive league which has schools competing reasonably well even at the highest levels, and does so within a budget and hockey commitment similar, even if slightly less, than ours. It's a better fit is what I have always said.

The more you say, the more you reafirm that you are no more than a shallow and petty jerk.

(11-23-2015 11:54 PM)Ubish Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 11:15 PM)Charm City Bronco Wrote:  I don't know. Ferris is 4-2 in two tournament appearances over the past four seasons. That's pretty darn good. We'd be knocking ourselves out if we had that type of tournament record.

I agree, i'm just saying that most of those wins came when they were in the CCHA, they are 1-1 since joining the WCHA, and didn't make the tournament last year. It's not like the WCHA has led them to incredible success.

The wcha success has not been bad. That's my point. They have put frankly more than there share of teams in the NCAA tournament. If they put two teams in each year, then WMU would just need to be one of the two best teams in the wcha its share of seasons. I like those odds better than what they are now.

And both leagues in their current format are essentially brand new, so you look to the history of the schools; and ferris has been to the NCAA championship game more recently than most nchc schools. My point is, the wchc schools are not suffering because of their league. It's a good fit for those schools, and because they are in the wcha they remain competitive with each other, which keeps interest in the programs. If you play in a league which is too competitive for your program, and can't maintain a certain level of competitiveness, it damages the program long term. The fit needs to be right.

Everyone can keep disagreeing with me. I don't mind being on my own island. I would love if the ncha works out great for us. But my opinion is what it is.

(11-23-2015 07:39 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:03 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:00 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 03:19 PM)okgc Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 02:58 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  Surely there has to be a link to some published article or media mention out there if it was an option. Right?

WMU Issues Statement Regarding WCHA Invitation

WCHA Extends Membership Invitations to Five CCHA-Member Schools

LOL. Does that help refresh your recollection letterman?

I really don't remember that. Thanks for the links.

Sure glad we didn't go to a second rate, 1 bid conference like the WCHA though.

If we were just hiring AFM, how much could he have influenced the decision?

Ya, ferris is glad we didn't too. They may not have been the wcha team playing in the NCAA championship game two years ago if WMU would have joined that league. And the other schools in the wcha aren't complaining either since they have been able to squeeze three NCAA bids out of their one bid conference, which the NCHC couldn't beat until last year.

Ferris State recent success had nothing to do with which conference they were in and is a good example of how good goal tending behind an average team and coaching systems can get you very deep into the post season.

In 2010/11 Nelson got hot going into the regionals and the following three years they had CJ Mott who was actually a better goalie than Nelson.

Also, for all you AM bashers, Danials played a very structured style hockey game, as he didn't have the horses up front to put up 3-4 goals a game, so thier style was a lunch box, hard forecheck and constent backcheck through the nuetral zone, allowing his smaller mobil defensemen to aggressivly step up in the nuuetral zone forcing turn overs and quickly transitioning into offensive opportunities.

(11-24-2015 06:48 AM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 08:43 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 07:39 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:03 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:00 PM)brovol Wrote:  LOL. Does that help refresh your recollection letterman?

I really don't remember that. Thanks for the links.

Sure glad we didn't go to a second rate, 1 bid conference like the WCHA though.

If we were just hiring AFM, how much could he have influenced the decision?

Ya, ferris is glad we didn't too. They may not have been the wcha team playing in the NCAA championship game two years ago if WMU would have joined that league. And the other schools in the wcha aren't complaining either since they have been able to squeeze three NCAA bids out of their one bid conference, which the NCHC couldn't beat until last year.

Now you're saying the WCHA is stronger?!

You're all over the map. Remind me to pay parking tickets on time in your district. I don't want to be hauled in to your bench.

I noticed, every time you clearly lose the debate, you claim that I said something quite opposite to what I actually said, as if it wasn't all written and posted for everyone to read. I never even remotely suggested the wcha is better than the nchc. To the contrary, I have always said the nchc if far better in terms of its strength, but that the wcha is a better fit.

You called the wcha is a second rate one bid league. I pointed out that you are wrong. The wcha is a competitive league which has schools competing reasonably well even at the highest levels, and does so within a budget and hockey commitment similar, even if slightly less, than ours. It's a better fit is what I have always said.

The more you say, the more you reafirm that you are no more than a shallow and petty jerk.

WCHA in its current state for two years, had decent success in year one, let's quit the logic leaps, name calling judge.

(11-24-2015 09:53 AM)BroncoFever Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 07:39 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:03 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:00 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 03:19 PM)okgc Wrote:  WMU Issues Statement Regarding WCHA Invitation

WCHA Extends Membership Invitations to Five CCHA-Member Schools

LOL. Does that help refresh your recollection letterman?

I really don't remember that. Thanks for the links.

Sure glad we didn't go to a second rate, 1 bid conference like the WCHA though.

If we were just hiring AFM, how much could he have influenced the decision?

Ya, ferris is glad we didn't too. They may not have been the wcha team playing in the NCAA championship game two years ago if WMU would have joined that league. And the other schools in the wcha aren't complaining either since they have been able to squeeze three NCAA bids out of their one bid conference, which the NCHC couldn't beat until last year.

Ferris State recent success had nothing to do with which conference they were in and is a good example of how good goal tending behind an average team and coaching systems can get you very deep into the post season.

In 2010/11 Nelson got hot going into the regionals and the following three years they had CJ Mott who was actually a better goalie than Nelson.

Also, for all you AM bashers, Danials played a very structured style hockey game, as he didn't have the horses up front to put up 3-4 goals a game, so thier style was a lunch box, hard forecheck and constent backcheck through the nuetral zone, allowing his smaller mobil defensemen to aggressivly step up in the nuuetral zone forcing turn overs and quickly transitioning into offensive opportunities.

We talk all the time about the great teams in the NCHC, and in the case of all of those teams, the NCHC had nothing to do with those schools having great programs, or the successes they have had. The same is true with Ferris.

I will say, however, that if Minnesota State, Bowling Green or Mich Tech were in the NCHC last year, I bet they wouldn't have made the NCAA Tournament. Maybe they would have, but it would have been tougher. Yet they did playing out of the WCHA. Some of the schools in the WCHA were at risk of dropping hockey, but have kind of resurrected themselves the past two years. Mich Tech and BG are a couple examples of that. And I do think the WCHA provided a good environment for that to occur.

Honestly, it seems that folks around here look down at the WCHA, as if there is shame in being associated with that league, or its schools. Not sure where it comes from, because we are all MAC alums, and I have always walked proudly with the mid-major chip on my shoulder. More importantly, the WCHA is a solid conference, and its schools have done quite reasonably over the past five years, and some have very nice hockey histories.

Lastly, there is something to be said about being the big fish in a small pond, which WMU could be in the WCHA. Boise State would never have built what it has in football if it were playing in the Pac 10 all these years. Conversely, there is something depressing about being a struggling program in a great conference.

(11-24-2015 11:14 AM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-24-2015 09:53 AM)BroncoFever Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 07:39 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:03 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:00 PM)brovol Wrote:  LOL. Does that help refresh your recollection letterman?

I really don't remember that. Thanks for the links.

Sure glad we didn't go to a second rate, 1 bid conference like the WCHA though.

If we were just hiring AFM, how much could he have influenced the decision?

Ya, ferris is glad we didn't too. They may not have been the wcha team playing in the NCAA championship game two years ago if WMU would have joined that league. And the other schools in the wcha aren't complaining either since they have been able to squeeze three NCAA bids out of their one bid conference, which the NCHC couldn't beat until last year.

Ferris State recent success had nothing to do with which conference they were in and is a good example of how good goal tending behind an average team and coaching systems can get you very deep into the post season.

In 2010/11 Nelson got hot going into the regionals and the following three years they had CJ Mott who was actually a better goalie than Nelson.

Also, for all you AM bashers, Danials played a very structured style hockey game, as he didn't have the horses up front to put up 3-4 goals a game, so thier style was a lunch box, hard forecheck and constent backcheck through the nuetral zone, allowing his smaller mobil defensemen to aggressivly step up in the nuuetral zone forcing turn overs and quickly transitioning into offensive opportunities.

We talk all the time about the great teams in the NCHC, and in the case of all of those teams, the NCHC had nothing to do with those schools having great programs, or the successes they have had. The same is true with Ferris.

I will say, however, that if Minnesota State, Bowling Green or Mich Tech were in the NCHC last year, I bet they wouldn't have made the NCAA Tournament. Maybe they would have, but it would have been tougher. Yet they did playing out of the WCHA. Some of the schools in the WCHA were at risk of dropping hockey, but have kind of resurrected themselves the past two years. Mich Tech and BG are a couple examples of that. And I do think the WCHA provided a good environment for that to occur.

Honestly, it seems that folks around here look down at the WCHA, as if there is shame in being associated with that league, or its schools. Not sure where it comes from, because we are all MAC alums, and I have always walked proudly with the mid-major chip on my shoulder. More importantly, the WCHA is a solid conference, and its schools have done quite reasonably over the past five years, and some have very nice hockey histories.

Lastly, there is something to be said about being the big fish in a small pond, which WMU could be in the WCHA. Boise State would never have built what it has in football if it were playing in the Pac 10 all these years. Conversely, there is something depressing about being a struggling program in a great conference.

Hey Rainman,

Do you think we should have joined the WCHA?

Lastly, there is something to be said about being the big fish in a small pond, which WMU could be in the WCHA. Boise State would never have built what it has in football if it were playing in the Pac 10 all these years. Conversely, there is something depressing about being a struggling program in a great conference.
[/quote]

I would agree with the big fish small pond analogy as well as agreeing with the depression of being in a great conference and struggling. The average fan does not care about the toughness of the conference, they care about winning. Winning teams fill arenas.

(11-24-2015 04:28 PM)DudeReally Wrote:  Lastly, there is something to be said about being the big fish in a small pond, which WMU could be in the WCHA. Boise State would never have built what it has in football if it were playing in the Pac 10 all these years. Conversely, there is something depressing about being a struggling program in a great conference.

I would agree with the big fish small pond analogy as well as agreeing with the depression of being in a great conference and struggling. The average fan does not care about the toughness of the conference, they care about winning. Winning teams fill arenas.
[/quote]

Spot on there brother.

So at least one of you has seen the light and found Jesus.

(11-24-2015 11:42 AM)rtletterman Wrote:  

(11-24-2015 11:14 AM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-24-2015 09:53 AM)BroncoFever Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 07:39 PM)brovol Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 04:03 PM)rtletterman Wrote:  I really don't remember that. Thanks for the links.

Sure glad we didn't go to a second rate, 1 bid conference like the WCHA though.

If we were just hiring AFM, how much could he have influenced the decision?

Ya, ferris is glad we didn't too. They may not have been the wcha team playing in the NCAA championship game two years ago if WMU would have joined that league. And the other schools in the wcha aren't complaining either since they have been able to squeeze three NCAA bids out of their one bid conference, which the NCHC couldn't beat until last year.

Ferris State recent success had nothing to do with which conference they were in and is a good example of how good goal tending behind an average team and coaching systems can get you very deep into the post season.

In 2010/11 Nelson got hot going into the regionals and the following three years they had CJ Mott who was actually a better goalie than Nelson.

Also, for all you AM bashers, Danials played a very structured style hockey game, as he didn't have the horses up front to put up 3-4 goals a game, so thier style was a lunch box, hard forecheck and constent backcheck through the nuetral zone, allowing his smaller mobil defensemen to aggressivly step up in the nuuetral zone forcing turn overs and quickly transitioning into offensive opportunities.

We talk all the time about the great teams in the NCHC, and in the case of all of those teams, the NCHC had nothing to do with those schools having great programs, or the successes they have had. The same is true with Ferris.

I will say, however, that if Minnesota State, Bowling Green or Mich Tech were in the NCHC last year, I bet they wouldn't have made the NCAA Tournament. Maybe they would have, but it would have been tougher. Yet they did playing out of the WCHA. Some of the schools in the WCHA were at risk of dropping hockey, but have kind of resurrected themselves the past two years. Mich Tech and BG are a couple examples of that. And I do think the WCHA provided a good environment for that to occur.

Honestly, it seems that folks around here look down at the WCHA, as if there is shame in being associated with that league, or its schools. Not sure where it comes from, because we are all MAC alums, and I have always walked proudly with the mid-major chip on my shoulder. More importantly, the WCHA is a solid conference, and its schools have done quite reasonably over the past five years, and some have very nice hockey histories.

Lastly, there is something to be said about being the big fish in a small pond, which WMU could be in the WCHA. Boise State would never have built what it has in football if it were playing in the Pac 10 all these years. Conversely, there is something depressing about being a struggling program in a great conference.

Hey Rainman,

Do you think we should have joined the WCHA?

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