Mike McMahon has been recently speculating what would happen if the Ivy schools broke off from the ECAC.
In today's issue, I break down the fictional scenario where Ivy League hockey comes to fruition.
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ECAC
Added: Army, Bentley, Holy Cross, RIT, Sacred Heart
Lost: Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Yale
The ECAC survives by adding high-quality academic institutions that fit the mold alongside surviving members Clarkson, Colgate, RPI, St. Lawrence, and Union.
Hockey East
Added: Quinnipiac
Lost: None
Quinnipiac's administration has loved rubbing elbows with the Ivy League schools as part of the ECAC. If they're gone, I don't see a reason for Quinnipiac to stay in the ECAC.
Meanwhile, Hockey East has been patient waiting for a 12th team. League presidents want a school that will bring value to the league. Quinnipiac checks off a lot of boxes.
Atlantic Hockey
Added: Long Island, Stonehill, Utica
Lost: Army, Bentley, Holy Cross, RIT, Sacred Heart, Air Force
This makes Atlantic Hockey an eight-team league. For now, it seems that Atlantic Hockey is already exploring expansion, and in this fictional world, they'll add what they can to stay afloat after losing six schools.
Air Force to the CCHA