Notre Dame Won't Join NCHC

The NCHC sent out a press release today saying that the conference will choose to stay at the current number of eight teams, effectively ending the possibility of Notre Dame joining the conference.

College Hockey News reports that the Irish had a slight preference to staying in the more geographically logical NCHC, but ultimately couldn't come to an agreement on television packages with the conference. Meanwhile, Jess Myers indicates that the NCHC's offer for conference membership came with an expiration date that the Irish apparently let pass.

With the NCHC offer apparently gone, that leaves Notre Dame almost guaranteed to join Hockey East. The South Bend Tribune reported that associate athletic director Tom Nevala said a formal announcement is likely on Wednesday. And by likely, given Notre Dame's current pace, he means keep your schedule open for November.