Graphic from the CCHA official release

Don Lucia named commissioner of new Central Collegiate Hockey Association

 

By @MichaelCaples –

The new-look CCHA has its new commissioner.

Don Lucia, the winningest coach in University of Minnesota program history, has been named the first-ever commissioner of the reconstituted Central Collegiate Hockey Association, it was announced today.

“I would like to thank all the presidents, athletic directors, and coaches who were involved in the search process for this tremendous opportunity,” Lucia said in a release. “The seven members of the CCHA have rich hockey tradition and I am honored to lead them moving forward. I can’t wait to get started on building the foundation of the CCHA for the inaugural season in 2021-22.”

The new CCHA is the future home of four Michigan schools – Ferris State, Northern Michigan, Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State – as well as Bowling Green, Bemidji State and Minnesota State University, Mankato. Other programs may be added before the conference begins play in 2021-22.

“We are thrilled with the addition of Don Lucia as CCHA Commissioner,” said Perk Weisenburger, Ferris State University Director of Athletics and search chair. “I would like to thank the members of our search committee who represented each of the seven institutions that will form the CCHA when we open play in October of 2021, as well as our consultant Dr. Morris Kurtz for his dedication and commitment throughout this exhaustive process. We had several extremely well qualified candidates who made thorough and in-depth presentations to our membership and we thank them for their interest, time and energy.”

Lucia spent 31 years coaching collegiately, recording a record of 736-403-102. The Notre Dame alum checks in at No. 8 on the all-time wins list for NCAA D1 college hockey.

“The member institutions of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association are pleased to announce Don Lucia as our new Commissioner,” said Northern Michigan University President Fritz Erickson. “Don has a tremendous background of success in college hockey and his wealth of knowledge, vision and passion for the game was very evident and impressive throughout our search. The CCHA presidents believe Don will lead us to great success and we are excited for what’s ahead.”