On June 28, the University of Alaska Fairbanks learned that seven members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association announced plans to withdraw from the WCHA. 

UAF was not notified in advance of this decision nor were we alerted to the preparation of such action. There are significant financial penalties for leaving the WCHA without advance notice. As such, each departing member has given two years' notice. We will continue to play WCHA hockey with the same teams for the next two years. 

While the current configuration has had its advantages, UAF, the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alabama-Huntsville have been financially disadvantaged in this conference, and a realignment may benefit all three universities in the long run. We are encouraged that there are a number of teams looking now, or will be looking soon, to join an NCAA Division I men's ice hockey conference. While disappointed in our WCHA colleagues' decision to leave, we look forward to the chance that lies ahead for building new partnerships. 

- Dan White, UAF chancellor