Bowling Green Hockey Will Play in 2009

The recent rumors regarding the Bowling Green men's hockey program sent shockwaves throughout college hockey. The program, a national champion in 1984 and producer of two Hobey Baker winners, was apparently in danger of getting the axe because of budgetary problems within the university and athletic department.

Over 8,000 people signed up for the "Save BGSU Hockey" Facebook group. Alumni, including former NHL defenseman Garry Galley, began to organize. The outpouring of support for the BGSU program was amazing. For now, it all appears to have worked.

Bowling Green State University (the school's full name, though they're normally referred to as simply "Bowling Green") athletic director Greg Christopher has posted an open letter on the school website.

The last two weeks have been a roller coaster for BGSU Athletics. The thrilling finish to the basketball season, with two regular season championships and two post-season berths, has captivated fans across the country. The current budget challenges for Intercollegiate Athletics have sparked equal passion and attention.

I wanted to let you know that we will field all 18 of our sports teams for the 2009-10 school year.

The cynic will point out that this leaves the door open for cuts next year, and that same cynic probably wants you to know that head coach Scott Paluch has just one year left on his contract, but the cynic never has had a positive attitude about things.

As Galley pointed out in an interview with College Hockey News, the university has been straight-forward about all of this, and the alumni hold a huge key to the future of the program.

The reality of it is, it was on the chopping block -- from what I understand -- in the last budget meeting a year ago. So they've known over a year. The program barely made it through the year before. I'm not privy to all the info, but I've had a chat with Greg Christopher and he's been very up front. He said, "I don't know if the program will get through this budget." And that's plain and simply. So if not, how will it survive? Only if the alumni step up.

A tip of the cap to all the alumni and fans on speaking out so loudly and decisively, but there is still work to be done. With the college hockey fraternity shrinking instead of growing, fans around the country should be pleased with this development.