League promotes Pa. college hockey

By MICHAEL PALM
Collegian Sports Writer

For a league that started at a dinner meeting, the West Penn College Hockey Association has done pretty well.

In the spring of 1971, colleges from western Pennsylvania had representatives organize the league, originally called the West Penn Intercollegiate Hockey Association. Play began the following fall and has been continuing ever since.

The current commissioner, Michael G. Kaleina, has been on the job since the 1979-80 season. The association's goal is fairly simple, he said.

"Basically, we're trying to promote college hockey in western Pennsylvania," Kaleina said.

And it has been successful in achieving its goal. The league started with eight teams in the fall of 1971. It grew to 13 teams and broke into two divisions. Expansion still remains a possibility for the league.

"If we do," Kaleina said, "we may have to expand it into three divisions."

At the end of the season, potential teams will be reviewed and voted on by the existing teams. The yearly fee of $700 goes toward league fees. Teams must also join USA Hockey for insurance purposes. Kaleina said a good staff outside of the team helps make a squad successful.

"Our programs that are strong have a strong off-ice program," Kaleina said.

Over the course of 23 years, teams have come and gone. Kaleina called it "a fluid association."

But some programs do outgrow the WPCHA. For example, West Virginia University had two teams in the league. One of those teams left the league to join the American Collegiate Hockey Association and are ranked No. 12 in the latest poll.

"My goal is to eventually have all the teams come up to ACHA standards," Kaleina said.

The league sponsors a championship tournament, which will be held in Indiana, Penn., on Feb. 24-26. The Penn State JVs appear strong favorites, as they received a first-round bye with a 12-0 record.

"If we play like we did (Saturday), if we play like we did this season," Vincent Scalamogna said, "we're definitely there."