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OMAHA, Neb. - The UNO hockey program will become a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association beginning with the 2010-2011 season. The announcement came Friday from WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod.
“The WCHA is an outstanding conference with a long history of excellent players and coaches,” said Trev Alberts, UNO’s Director of Athletics. “When we were approached about admission, we took a long look at all aspects of a move to the WCHA. In the end, we felt there were many long-term benefits to our program. We’re excited about becoming a part of the WCHA’s rich tradition of outstanding hockey.
“We did not come to this decision lightly,” Alberts continued. “We have had a fruitful ten-year affiliation with the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. It is a well-run conference, and its member institutions have been outstanding partners. We know the CCHA will continue to thrive after we depart.”
“Our upcoming season will be bittersweet,” said Mike Kemp, Associate Athletic Director and former head coach. “We have built outstanding rivalries with the schools of the CCHA, and our players have seen a particularly high level of competition each season. We also know that new rivalries await in the WCHA, and we expect our players to rise to the challenge.
“We also think a move to the WCHA will further energize our fans. Many of our road games in the WCHA are within a relatively easy drive from Omaha, and we look forward to hosting fans from those same schools.“
“I was happy to hear that we would be joining the WCHA in a year’s time,” said Dean Blais, UNO’s head coach. “I’m obviously very familiar with the league as both a head coach and assistant coach for 19 years and before that as a player. It’s a league with a great tradition and excellent coaches, and I’m looking forward to competing against them.”
The Mavericks will begin their season in early October when they host the Mutual of Omaha Icebreaker on Oct. 9 and 10. They begin CCHA play when they host Bowling Green State University on October 30 and 31 at Qwest Center Omaha.