So long, St. Cloud

St. Cloud State and Western Michigan accepted their invitations to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference on Thursday, announcing their decisions during press conferences. No one thought they were going to turn it down, did they?

Read some of Minnesota State's reaction to the move, which, in two years, will leave the Mavericks without their oldest rivalry in the WCHA, here. Interestingly, they weren't shocked by the move.

As for Thursday's announcement, here are some of the comments that came out of the St. Cloud State press conference:

"I have to look out for the well being of my institution, but we also care about the future of college hockey." — Earl H. Potter, St. Cloud State president.

"It was not an easy decision to leave the WCHA, but it was the only decision that was right for us." — Potter.

Huskies coach Bob Motzko vowed to continue to support Minnesota State and Bemidji State and other hockey programs in the state.

Later Thursday, the WCHA issued a press release expressing disappointment in St. Cloud's decision. In the release, commissioner Bruce McLeod said:

"(We want) to reiterate in the strongest possible terms that the (WCHA) will persevere, soldier on and continue to do things as we always have — in a first-class manner. The eight programs that currently make up the new-look WCHA ... are 100% committed to Division I ice hockey, and we are looking forward to working together toward a common goal of providing a first-class environment for our product, our student-athletes and our fans and doing what's right for the sport. Our brand is strong and we intend to build on that."

Meanwhile, Bowling Green announced on Thursday that it has been given a deadline extension until Oct. 7 to decide on its its invitation to join the WCHA.