The Big Ten couldn't wait for Illinois, Nebraska, Northwestern or any of their other member schools not sponsoring men's hockey to add the sport. The need to expand and give the 3-year-old, six-team conference a crucial jolt led Big Ten officials to look elsewhere for the newest member. That search ended in South Bend, Ind.
"I think it's a real win for Big Ten hockey," said Gophers coach Don Lucia, an alum of soon-to-be conference rival Notre Dame. "From the coaching standpoint, there was a real push: we've got to get more teams. … Hopefully we can get to the point where we can find that eighth team down the line, but there doesn't have to be a sense of urgency with it now with getting that seventh team and getting us to 24 league games."
That question — will an eighth Big Ten team be added? — came quickly from fans after Tuesday's news of Notre Dame moving in after next season. The possibilities for team No. 8 are spread from coast to coast:
Arizona State will play its first full season of Division I hockey next season and is searching for a conference. Academic standards could be a concern to the Big Ten, though.
UConn has an established program and good academics.
Boston College is another well-known D-I program, but is very comfortable in the Hockey East.
Air Force could benefit from the Big Ten name to attract better talent.
North Dakota would be an obvious choice for immediate success and facilities, but it is comfortable in the NCHC.
Would it make sense to recruit one of the four other Minnesota programs? Minnesota Duluth is probably the favorite if that were to transpire.
There are plenty of other options, including those aforementioned Big Ten members without varsity hockey, but don't expect a quick follow-up to Notre Dame.
"I don't think there is a natural rush to go from seven to eight," said Brad Traviolia, Big Ten deputy commissioner.
"When it's determined there is another intuition that has that same fit and we feel comfortable moving, then we'll consider that. But I think we're looking at seven and content with seven and there is no impending addition of No. 8 in the near future."
Count University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler as a fan of the addition of No. 7.
"It brings up the competitive level in the Big Ten." Kaler said Wednesday. "That's a good academic institution, and for the Big Ten, the quality of the academic institution is as important as the quality of the athletics."
Kaler didn't see a need to rush for an eighth team, adding, "We are always open to scanning the landscape, as Jim Delany [Big Ten commissioner] likes to say, and I believe when his phone rings he answers it."
