CHL can now play NCAA - change everything !

[Corso]

If that's the suit, I don't see how USA Hockey wins that one.

Yup

USA Hockey has been holding off CHL expansion as leverage in protecting the NTDP and in trying to secure its entry into the OHL.

 

[bigdog16]

Hypothetically that could work. The NTDP wouldn't need a league. Could just be its own thing. If say they work out a deal to do 2 games with each OHL team (assume 22 teams, home and home) that's 44 games. That wouldn't be too taxing on the schedule for OHL teams. They get a hand full of NCAA games too so that brings them to like 50ish games in a season plus tournaments. Plenty of game time. Wouldn't be the worst set up.

Maybe do a loop thru Western Canada and Quebec a pick up some WHL and Q games also. I am sure it is easiee said than done but if the 18s played a schedule that included 20-30 CHL games, NCAA games, and international competition, it would make it a valuable place to play with the resources able to be offered

 

[Corso]

Maybe do a loop thru Western Canada and Quebec a pick up some WHL and Q games also. I am sure it is easiee said than done but if the 18s played a schedule that included 20-30 CHL games, NCAA games, and international competition, it would make it a valuable place to play with the resources able to be offered

Travel through the Dub would add way more costs and the CHL teams would want money in order to schedule "exhibition" games in the middle of the season, further adding to costs.

Best bet is keeping it within the OHL for 20 or so games.

 

[bigdog16]

Travel through the Dub would add way more costs and the CHL teams would want money in order to schedule "exhibition" games in the middle of the season, further adding to costs.

Best bet is keeping it within the OHL for 20 or so games.

It's no different than any other flight NTDP takes. The cost won't be a factor for NTDP.

 

[Corso]

It's no different than any other flight NTDP takes. The cost won't be a factor for NTDP.

The NTDP doesn't have an unlimited budget. The program has to be mindful of costs and costs could be contained if they can get the required number of games through the OHL. The real question is the OHL willing to play ball???

 

[bigdog16]

The NTDP doesn't have an unlimited budget. The program has to be mindful of costs and costs could be contained if they can get the required number of games through the OHL. The real question is the OHL willing to play ball???

Nobody has an unlimited budget. But they are flush with money. They fly multiple times a year.

 

[jtechkid]

Does Youngtown have the facilities, money , location to actually join OHL?

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Does Youngtown have the facilities, money , location to actually join OHL?

They're close to Erie & could slide into the Midwest Division fairly easily. Not sure about facilities and money

 

[Corso]

Does Youngtown have the facilities, money , location to actually join OHL?

Capacity wise yes, but facility, from what I've heard, can use an upgrade. Location is fine but money? Well, the current owner is quite wealthy and I'm sure he's willing to incur six figure losses but for how long?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Why would USA Hockey approve another country’s league (where they have essentially zero influence and control) trying to raid their country for two teams?

You’d have to be insane to sit by and let that happen.

 

[NTDP]

Capacity wise yes, but facility, from what I've heard, can use an upgrade. Location is fine but money? Well, the current owner is quite wealthy and I'm sure he's willing to incur six figure losses but for how long?

I've been to the Covelli Center multiple times. It's usually a half empty barn but has some loyal fans. Best atmosphere was for the 2018 Clark cup vs Fargo. The seating bowl is actually quite good and not a bad seat per say, the arena area itself is very easy to get in/out of. The sound system will for sure need upgraded, when the PA announcer comes on it's almost deafening when he screams Phantoms on the power play.

I wonder if when it's all said and done, part of it will be the travel that Youngstown currently has in the USHL. As someone above me pointed out they have many closer options and could slide into that midwest division.

Currently, Youngstown is the farthest east team in the USHL which is concentrated primarily in the midwest, US and these kids take bus trips (I know someone will point out the brutal travel some WHL teams have - yes I'm very aware of this. But why do it if you don't really have to if you're Youngstown).

Within their own Eastern Conf.
Closest trip - Plymouth (NTDP) - 3 1/2 hrs
Muskegon - 5 hrs 50 min
Chicago Steel - 6 1/2 hrs
Madison - 8 1/2 hrs
Green Bay - 9 hrs
Dubuque - 9 hrs
Cedar Rapis - 9 1/2 hrs

Then you have the western conference which on average is farther travel. If you look at the 62 game YGN schedule they only have 5 western conference road trips and playing the same team twice when they do so. So that's another reason, they play the same teams often in their own conference. Where as joining the OHL it's a whole new experience playing more teams.

Ultimately, I don't mind either way. I just threw this in there for an alternative thought that could be going on behind the scenes. And with the changing landscape this could be an opportunity to try something new.

Why would USA Hockey approve another country’s league (where they have essentially zero influence and control) trying to raid their country for two teams?

You’d have to be insane to sit by and let that happen.

Just imagine what Hockey Canada would do if two teams wanted to leave the WHL.