University of Alaska Anchorage opts out of ice hockey season
Courtesy: WCHA
BLOOMINGTON, Minn.(WCHA/WBUP) – The University of Alaska Anchorage notified the Western Collegiate Hockey Association on Friday that it will opt out of the 2020-21 men’s ice hockey season.
The decision from UAA was part of a larger announcement by the school that it would suspend competition for all of its indoor winter sports – men’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s indoor track & field and women’s gymnastics – for this season.
“We were saddened to learn this news today,” WCHA Men’s League Commissioner Bill Robertson said. “The University of Alaska Anchorage has been a long-standing and solid member of the WCHA since 1993. We know this was a carefully thought-out decision that affects the entire university.
“Our thoughts go out to Chancellor Dr. Cathy Sandeen, Director of Athletics Greg Myford, Head Coach Matt Curley, the UAA coaching and support staffs, the Seawolf student-athletes and their great fans. Alaska Anchorage has had a storied program that has sent a number players into the professional ranks as well as careers off the ice.”
Under the terms of the WCHA Return to Competition plan unanimously approved by the league’s Board of Directors on Nov. 10, WCHA member institutions have until Tuesday, Nov. 17 to notify the league if they intend to opt out of the WCHA for 2020-21.
With this decision, the WCHA will be a nine-team league this season.
About the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Men’s League
The Western Collegiate Hockey Association, among the most historic, tradition-rich and successful conferences in all of collegiate athletics, will mark its 69th season of men’s competition in 2020-21. The 10-team NCAA Division I conference consists of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (Chargers), the University of Alaska Anchorage (Seawolves), the University of Alaska (Nanooks), Bemidji State University (Beavers), Bowling Green State University (Falcons), Ferris State University (Bulldogs), Lake Superior State University (Lakers), Michigan Technological University (Huskies), Minnesota State University (Mavericks) and Northern Michigan University (Wildcats). For more information, visit wcha.com.