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Message: [QUOTE="DarthGrumpy, post: 1230040, member: 2141"] In an ideal situation, the B1G would prefer to see existing members add hockey to their athletic slate. Rutgers would be the obvious choice to do so as its a decent hockey state. The top NJ HS team, Delbarton, ran with the big dogs this year beating Fairfield Prep (CT) and Catholic Memorial (MA) while losing to Malden Catholic (MA) while my local HS drew +1,000 both both of its games with its rival. The Devils draw OK. But, Rutgers needs to get out of its financial mess and upgrade facilities for its existing sports first before adding two new programs (would have to add both men's & women's hockey). Maryland would be another possible choice; but, they have financial issues, too. Northwestern has the money; but, not sure if they have the will to add college hockey. I bet they would draw well, too, due to the number of alumni from Wisconsin, State, and U of M alumni in Chicago. Would is be logistically possible for U Nebraska Omaha to shift its hockey program to U Nebraska Lincoln? I don't know. Of the potential new full-time candidates that B1G is considering, UConn is likely the only college that can add immediately to B1G hockey as I don't believe that the B1G is considering BC and all of the other potential candidates int he ACC and XII do not sponsor hockey. As for affiliates, BU could be possible, especially on the academic CIC/AAU; but, I don't see them giving-up rivals with BC, especially, Northeastern and the rest of the compact Hockey East conference. Plus, unlike Hopkins, BU does sponsor other D1 athletics. North Dakota also has potential; but, also sponsors D1 athletics besides hockey. Too bad U Toronto nor McGill sponsor hockey teams that could compete at a US D1 level. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach