Look for a new team (or 2) in the WCHA in the near future.

CHN Staff Report

MADISON, Wis. — WCHA members voted unanimously today to lift its moratorium on expansion. The vote was taken at the league's meetings, being held in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the annual NCAA Convention.

Lifting the moratorium is the first step needed for Bemidji State to apply for membership into the league. Due to the precarious state of the CHA -- expected to disband when the season is over -- the future of programs such as BSU has had a cloud over it.

The moratoium was lifted only through March 31, 2009, giving Bemidji just enough time to apply, and take its chances.

According to the league, "The lifting of the moratorium on expansion means the WCHA can entertain membership applications from any interested institutions who meet the league’s criteria for membership. Meeting the criteria for membership does not, however, guarantee admittance into the Association."

Review of any applications for membership received by the league office by March 31 would then take place at the league’s spring meeting April 26-28 in Marco Island, Fla. A vote on membership may take place at that time or may be delayed pending receipt and review of additional pertinent information.

Membership admittance requires a 75 percent majority vote of the current membership, there is one vote per member institution and the vote is cast by the institutional Faculty Athletic Representatives.