Facility fix recommended

The first step of determining whether hockey'll survive at BGSU is done, and first things first - the Ice Arena needs to be fixed up a LOT.

VP for Student Affairs Ed Whipple headed a group with former BGSU hockey coach Jack Vivian in researching the viability of the Falcons' home, and after a preliminary check, they recommended the following:

-some operational changes to tighten turnaround times to improve ice usage
-evaluation of intramural/recreational/educational programming
-rate structures that reflect current markets
-repair infrastructures
-improve locker rooms and fan amenities
-change curling ice to multipurpose ice

Bowling Green is already spending $275,000 to add new compressors this July.

Meanwhile, the other research group in the study, headed by Athletic Director Greg Christopher, also came up with their preliminary findings of existing hockey programs and how they need to operate around the nation.

After receiving these early recommendations, the school hired NACDA Consulting to research just how much funding seems possible for the program through interviewing the community, key alumni, and former players.

That project is slated to be completed in the next few weeks.

This all dates back to rumors during the most recent hockey season that the program would cease to exist. Towards the end of the year, Christopher wrote a letter to the BGSU fans saying that hockey would be at the school for the 2009-10 year, but wouldn't commit beyond that.

Overall, the school has stated that its main goal is to remain a MAC school, and to remain Division I-A. The MAC is non-existent in college hockey. Bowling Green hockey is in the CCHA, a conference that includes the likes of Ohio State and Michigan.