The United College Cup is another step in the right direction toward forming another conference. Maryville joining both gives the group an NCAA autobid and Lindenwood a natural rival that will strengthen the game in the Midwest.
What I don't see is that this group can pull teams out of AHA. Your example, Mercyhurst, has three conference opponents within a 90-minute drive of campus. Moving to the independent group would put their nearest conference opponent, Lindenwood, a 10-hour drive away. They don't have the resources to be flying that several times a year. The independent group is going to shuffle things, but I think its most logical path is to be a Central-Western group.
The United College Cup is another step in the right direction toward forming another conference. Maryville joining both gives the group an NCAA autobid and Lindenwood a natural rival that will strengthen the game in the Midwest.
What I don't see is that this group can pull teams out of AHA. Your example, Mercyhurst, has three conference opponents within a 90-minute drive of campus. Moving to the independent group would put their nearest conference opponent, Lindenwood, a 10-hour drive away. They don't have the resources to be flying that several times a year. The independent group is going to shuffle things, but I think its most logical path is to be a Central-Western group.
Go Seahawks!