Is it a definite done deal that there will be no D1 Hockey team, or is there still a chance that Whitman revisits the conversation?
Illini Hockey
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
In the current environment where every marginal dollar in the ecosystem is a hugely impactful talent acquisition resource for the revenue sports, hockey is dead.
If a lot of different parties had thought a bit more creatively a decade ago it would have happened, but that moment passed.
If a lot of different parties had thought a bit more creatively a decade ago it would have happened, but that moment passed.
Ugh... yea, that's a really good point. I'm afraid you are right about that. Bummer
illini_minas
- Cary, NC
I agree with you on the current state at Illinois but what's interesting is that here in the Raleigh area both State and Carolina in the last few months have declared their intentions of having NCAA D1 hockey at their respective schools. Both have moved their club teams up to ACHA D1 as a first step in that pursuit. Beyond that, Carolina is in the process of building their own hockey only facility and have hired a former NHLer (Steve Rice) to head up their program.
It's just unfortunate that a state that sits in the top 5-6 annually in youth hockey participation doesn't have a NCAA D1 program to funnel the talent into. Given the sheer amount of Illinois kids that play hockey at very high levels, the Illini could have a top notch D1 program if it ever came to be. But alas...
No news as far as I know. COVID killed that jump pretty dead. For it to be resurrected a donor would have to give a ton of money and I don't see any hockey focused donors with connections to Illinois.
I was going to fund a new arena had I won the Christmas Eve Powerball, but alas . . .
But seriously, the club team games are pretty fun, affordable and convenient to attend, especially for students on campus, and the team is playing pretty well this season, so check out a game if you have the opportunity. They've drawn over 1000 spectators a few times, which creates a fun environment.
