Lindenwood is going to have to prove, over a few years, that they want to invest at a level that allows them to compete for NCAA tournaments before any midwest league is going to show interest.

Atlantic Hockey has eastern options at both the low investment (LIU, Stonehill) and medium investment (Utica) level, so they don't need to reach to Missouri for a program.

If Lindenwood puts together 3-4 winning years against D-I competition, the CCHA isn't out of the question.