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UMass02 · Hall of Fame Joined: 11 Nov 2003 Posts: 2144

This truly is the last shot UConn has of joining Hockey East. If they ever want to upgrade their hockey program, this is their last chance to do it right.

DEM · Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 6:22 pm Post subject:

Quid pro quo - we vote yes to let UConn in if they don't actively block us from entering their conference if/when we are good enough.

jjmc85 · Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 6:40 pm Post subject:

^ I'm thinking the same thing.
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I wish Hockey East was an all-sports conference.

ktabz16 · Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 6:42 pm Post subject:

ehhh screw em.

meff · Senior Joined: 10 Nov 2003 Posts: 895 Location: Hanover

You really think UMass gets a vote.... If ConU steps up to the plate with a real plan they are in.

jjmc85 · Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 3:28 am Post subject:

^Is your point that UConn would have enough support regardless of whether or not UMass was in favor of them joining, or that expansion is done without individual members voting?

I would assume being a member of the conference UMass would have just as much say as the other 9 (10? does Notre Dame have say yet?) teams do. I also assume UConn has no say even though their Women's team plays in Hockey East. If I am wrong, I'd like to know how Hockey East picks teams for expansion.
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I wish Hockey East was an all-sports conference.

meff · Senior Joined: 10 Nov 2003 Posts: 895 Location: Hanover

I assume UMass does not have enough swing to keep ConU out. I'm not 100% sure if its a commissioner deal of all teams vote type situation, but either way to think UMass in any way shape or form could hold it over ConU is laughable.

InnervisionsUMASS · Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 1:57 pm Post subject:

Just curious... why would we not want UCONN in the league?
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Stop waiting for UMass to do something big and help UMass do something big. - Shades

DEM · Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 1:29 am Post subject:

Of course we should want UConn in. The whole point of my comment had nothing to do with lobbying against them, rather that UMass should support their membership for HE, and, in an ideal world, they do the same for us in other sports down the road. Good rivalries would benefit both teams in any sport.

In response to Meff, it wouldn't be the first time a single program has blocked a rival from membership in its conference, and I don't think it would be that hard in this case considering there are other suitable candidates, so no, it's not unthinkable. But as I mentioned above, it wouldn't be a good idea to keep out a peer institution that UMass should want in its conference. Instead, UMass should support UConn's application and set an example for how schools in the northeast should act towards their peers if they want college athletics to flourish.

InnervisionsUMASS · Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 1:53 am Post subject:

Ok... that didn't answer my question. I'd like to hear from the naysayers...
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Stop waiting for UMass to do something big and help UMass do something big. - Shades

meff · Senior Joined: 10 Nov 2003 Posts: 895 Location: Hanover

In my opinion there is only one school in Hockey East that could block UConn and that school is in Newton.

In the cases where schools have blocked others from joining they are power schools, UMass like it or not is not in that position with Hockey East.

As far as them joining, if they come out and provide a full boat of scholarships, renovate that MDC rink and really commit to hockey, then yes they are a perfect fit for Hockey East.

Jack · Hall of Fame Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Posts: 3030

IT would be great to have Uconn upgrade its program and join HE. regional rivalries should be encouraged. UMass should have been invited to the BE 10-20 yrs ago for the same reason.

Sheck · Junior Joined: 01 Oct 2004 Posts: 743 Location: Inside 128

jjmc85 · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 7:20 pm Post subject:

Does anyone know for sure if UConn ever blocked UMass from the Big East?
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I wish Hockey East was an all-sports conference.

Berkman · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 9:30 pm Post subject:

The way I have heard it is that when the Big East was formed with Dave Gavit and Mumbles Gavit said that UMass would never be allowed to join the big east and mumbles backed him up.