(05-20-2011 11:02 AM)DrTorch Wrote: [ -> ] (05-20-2011 10:02 AM)onlinepole Wrote: [ -> ]Besides the fact that there is always interest in discussion college hockey when it's mentioned in this forum, the fact that WMU, Bowling Green and Miami's men's hockey programs either equal or outdraw all 12 MAC women's hoops programs in attendance is a statement of how popular college hockey is and could be if it had a chance to succeed with more programs participating. Those 3 hockey programs also outdraw several MAC hoops programs.
I like hockey, and it would be interesting to see MAC hockey w/ NIU, Buff and anyone else (Kent, CMU).
But the talent is already spread thin. Adding more teams makes that more challenging.
Hockey is extremely popular with the students, we had a sellout against BU, 8k and some very well attended games. Here is a twitpic from my cell phone of a Vermont game
Mullins Center - UMass vs Vermont picture
Hockey is more popular with UMass students than basketball at this point, and I'd say the same holds true at every member of our hockey conference except Providence. I don't know if that holds true in the Great Lakes region, but the numbers at Miami, WMU and BG suggest that there's at least equivalent interest.
What you don't get from hockey vs. basketball is the big NCAA tournament revenue, which is why there's about 350 basketball teams and only 60 hockey teams. Maybe increased exposure on the Big Ten network will have a positive effect on that.
I am always hoping Kent State finds a way to bring back its hockey team.
(05-21-2011 11:05 AM)LastMinuteman Wrote: [ -> ]Hockey is more popular with UMass students than basketball at this point, and I'd say the same holds true at every member of our hockey conference except Providence. I don't know if that holds true in the Great Lakes region, but the numbers at Miami, WMU and BG suggest that there's at least equivalent interest.
What you don't get from hockey vs. basketball is the big NCAA tournament revenue, which is why there's about 350 basketball teams and only 60 hockey teams. Maybe increased exposure on the Big Ten network will have a positive effect on that.
I believe the hockey tournament is one of a few NCAA non-men's basketball tournaments that pays for itself. I think Lacrosse and baseball either break even or turn a slight profit as well.
I *think* (not sure) that any money the hockey tournament does make is only divided among D1 teams per NCAA rules (ie: 2011 National champ UMD would get expenses paid for and nothing else because they're a DII school otherwise) It's another way the NCAA tries to limit teams playing up for a paycheck like so many do in basketball.