Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1288673
Minnesota will claim home to yet another competitive Division I college hockey school. Each of the men's and women's programs at the University of St. Thomas were granted permission over the summer to join the DI ranks beginning in the 2021- 22 season. The women will compete alongside Bemidji State, St. Cloud State, Minnesota, Minnesota State and Minnesota-Duluth in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while the men join the revived Central Collegiate Hockey Association with fellow Minnesota schools BSU and MNSU. "We're thrilled to receive an invitation from the CCHA, as it's poised to create one of the most competitive hockey conferences nation- ally," St. Thomas athletics director Phil Esten said in the statement. "This gives us an opportunity to create strong regional intra-con- ference rivalries, face off against some of the most storied programs in college hockey, and develop a pro- gram that can skate with anyone in the country." "We are thrilled to welcome the University of St. Thomas to the WCHA in 2021," WCHA Commissioner Jennifer Flowers said in a release. "St. Thomas is a dynamic private institution that brings with it a history of excellence both academically and athletically. The addition of St. Thomas enhances the WCHA's regional footprint and further diversifies our incredible league. We look forward to expanding our Twin Cities fanbase by welcoming the passionate Tommie fans. The WCHA is proud to be the women's hockey home for the University of St. Thomas." O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M 05 COLLEGE HOCKEY Tip a Hat to the Tommies University of St. Thomas men's and women's programs move from DIII