WCHA prepares for 2013-14 season

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association enters its new ten-team format this fall. But before play begins on the ice, there is still plenty of work to do behind the scenes.

A group of university presidents, athletic directors, and conference officials met at Bemidji State University earlier this week, to discuss a number of issues.

According to the Bemidji Pioneer, the WCHA is working with FOX to develop and execute an online streaming service for each and every conference game. Each school would be responsible for producing its home games.

Among the other topics discussed among the WCHA brass was officiating. With the addition of two new conferences (the Big Ten and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference), there is a greater need for officials.

All ten WCHA member schools will begin play in October.

Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan will open up conference play against one another with a home and home series, on October 25 and 26.