press conference (video)
Robert DeGregorio, Commissioner for College Hockey America, Inc. (CHA), announced today that Lindenwood has been officially admitted into the CHA beginning with the 2012-13 season.
“The CHA membership was very happy when we received the formal letter of applications from Lindenwood University,” states Commissioner DeGregorio. “The CHA directors voted unanimously to proceed with the application process and as a result I scheduled an official visit at Lindenwood University on October 28 and 29, 2011. As part of the process I meet with the President of the University as well as the Director of Athletics and all other administrators on the campus that are directly involved in Lindenwood's Women's Ice Hockey program.”
"This is a historic and landmark day for our Women's Ice Hockey program,” said
John Creer, Lindenwood Director of Athletics. “We really feel honored to have the opportunity to join with the other outstanding members of the prestigious CHA. Joining the CHA provides visibility and name recognition, and legitimizes where we are going with our hockey program. I believe being a part of the conference will motivate and challenge our student-athletes, and hopefully some great rivalries will quickly emerge."
"We are very honored to have been accepted into College Hockey America, “ said Vince O'Mara Head Women's Ice Hockey Coach. “This is a very exciting time for all of the member institutions. With the announcement of adding Penn State and now Lindenwood, things are really looking up. We know that we have a lot of hard work ahead of us to be able to compete with the strong programs in the CHA, and we are ready and looking forward to that hard work.”
O'Mara goes on to say, “With us being a member of a conference now, that will only assist us in the recruiting process to build a strong women's hockey program."
Lindenwood is in the process of moving all of its athletic teams from the NAIA to NCAA Division II. Its women's hockey program will compete at the Divison I level. Lindenwood, along with fellow CHA newcomer Penn State, will begin league play in 2012-13. The four other members are Mercyhurst, Niagara, Robert Morris and Syracuse. Each league member will play four games (two home, two away) against the other league institutions during the 2012-13 season. The Regular Season Champion will host the 2013 College Hockey America Tournament, as all teams will participate in the Championship.
press release by College Hockey America Media Relations
