Western Collegiate Hockey Association Bruce M. McLeod Commissioner [email protected] Carol LaBelle-Ehrhardt Associate Commissioner of Operations [email protected] Greg Shepherd Supervisor of Officials [email protected] “In many ways Bruce Doug Spencer McLeod has been the Associate Commissioner for Public Relations best that college hockey T 608 829-0100 • C 303 475-9283 has to offer. Every day F 608 829-0200 his goal was to make [email protected] the WCHA the best it could be. Coaches Administrative Office Address MSC 8302, WCHA and administrators will 2211 S. Josephine Street miss his friendship and Denver, CO 80208-8302 guidance. Best wishes T 303 871-4491 • F 303 871-4770 Bruce, and thanks for all you have done.” Home of a Record – , 37 Men’s National two-time NCAA Championship Teams championship coach, 768 career victories at Since 1951 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, LSSU, NMU and MSU 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, December 20, 2013/For Release at 2:00 pm CT 2011 WCHA Commissioner McLeod to Retire June 30 Men’s Member Teams University of Alabama in Huntsville MADISON, Wis. – Bruce McLeod, one of the most influential and successful commissioners in the history of University of Alaska Anchorage collegiate , has announced his intent to retire on June 30 at the end of his current contract. Now in University of Alaska Fairbanks his 20th season at the helm of the 62-year-old Western Collegiate Hockey Association, McLeod has made a Bowling Green State University truly significant mark on both the game itself and the organization he has led. Ferris State University “It has been my distinct honor to serve this wonderful organization as Commissioner for the past 20 years Lake Superior State University and to be associated with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association for 49 years – since 1965,” said McLeod. Michigan Technological University “The opportunity to get to know and to work alongside so many outstanding coaches and administrators, to Minnesota State University become acquainted with so many marvelous student-athletes, and watch our sport grow and prosper has Northern Michigan University been a blessing. I will forever be a fan.” Chosen by the membership to succeed the retiring commissioner Otto Breitenbach in 1994, McLeod has 2014 WCHA Final Five led the WCHA to ever greater heights. Recognized throughout the sport as one of its true leaders, his half-cen- March 21-22 • Van Andel Arena tury of experience and wealth of knowledge about the game run the gamut from his days as a standout Grand Rapids, MI collegiate player at Minnesota Duluth in the 1960s, to a school administrator in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s visit us on the web at: where he worked closely with the league and served on numerous committees, and on to a notable tenure as commissioner of a premier collegiate athletic association. Pure and simple, McLeod has always been one of wcha.com the game’s biggest fans. wcha.com/mobile “We will forever be grateful for the commitment, loyalty and leadership of Commissioner McLeod,” said Dr. Richard Davenport, President of Minnesota State University and Chair of the WCHA Board of Directors. “His Watch WCHA Hockey integrity, work ethic, unselfishness and enthusiasm for both the WCHA and the sport of college hockey shine Live All Season Via through in every thing he does. Bruce has led the league to tremendous successes over his 20 years, all the America ONE Sports while keeping the focus on the member institutions, student-athletes and staffs. We also are indebted to him for the tremendous efforts and leadership he put forth during the recent transition period in college hockey, where he was instrumental in making certain the WCHA remained a leader and a competitive and successful organization. We wish him all the best in retirement.” A native of Fort Frances, Ontario, McLeod has presided over some of the most successful seasons in the seven decades of men’s WCHA history, including eight national championship campaigns by league teams in 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011, and has from the get-go been a vocal and strong proponent of a women’s WCHA that has won 14 consecutive national championships since its founding in WCHA M Release • Commissioner to Retire • 122013 1999-2000. His tenure with the WCHA has also seen 10 men’s member team players awarded the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as college What They’re Saying ... hockey’s top player and six women’s skaters win the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. Conference attendance for both the men’s and Joe Bertagna, Commissioner, Association: “Bruce has women’s leagues has also grown throughout his tenure, with the men’s become not just a professional peer but a good friend. While all of us WCHA exceeding the 1,000,000 mark in home attendance for 18 consec- who serve as commissioners have passion for our jobs, no one has been utive seasons through 2012-13. more emotionally attached to the fortunes of his conference than Bruce “On behalf of the conference’s athletic directors, I want to thank Bruce has been to the WCHA. His strong appreciation of history and tradi- for his years of service to the WCHA,” said Suzanne R. Sanregret, Director tion is something for which I will always remember him. He has made of Athletics at Michigan Technological University and Chair of the WCHA. more contributions to our game than most people will ever realize or “He has been a passionate leader for the league, and his work has added appreciate.” to the legacy of the WCHA and the prominence of college hockey across , Coach, Nebraska Omaha and North Dakota: “Bruce the country.” McLeod has been a friend for over 40 years and has been instrumental Within the WCHA, McLeod has been the driving force behind the success of the WCHA Final Five playoff championship, having built in the success of the WCHA at all levels. His leadership and guidance has productive, long-term relationships with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, Xcel provided opportunities for athletes, coaches, trainers and administrators Energy Center, the City of Saint Paul and FOX Sports North as a television to excel at the highest level. He will be missed by everyone, but will enjoy partner between 2000 and 2013, and now forging new partnerships his leisure and freedoms. Thank you Bruce!” with Van Andel Arena, the City of Grand Rapids and the AHL’s Grand Keith ‘Huffer’ Christiansen, UMD teammate: “Bruce McLeod has Rapids Griffins for future WCHA Final Five championships beginning this been a loyal and supportive friend to me for over 50 years. I know he has coming March. At Xcel Energy Center, the WCHA Final Five steadily grew devoted his life to the betterment of college hockey. For Bruce, it was into what’s been considered by many to be the best conference hockey never about any one school or individual, but solely what is best for the tournament in the land based on attendance, revenue, sponsorships game of hockey. He will truly be missed.” and exposure. The WCHA Final Five drew attendance totals in excess Rick Comley, Former Coach – Lake Superior State, Northern of 82,000 six times in the decade of the 2000s, with a record 88,900 in Michigan, Michigan State: “In many ways Bruce McLeod has been the attendance in 2007, 87,579 in 2006, and 87,295 in 2013. best that college hockey has to offer. Every day his goal was to make McLeod was behind the launch of a new era for the league with the the WCHA the best it could be. Coaches and administrators will miss his advent of an official web site at WCHA.com, the production of a weekly friendship and guidance. Best wishes Bruce, and thanks for all you have radio show known as ‘This Week in the WCHA’, a decade-by-decade done.” video and narrative chronicle of the men’s WCHA that covered the 1950s, , Former Coach, St. Cloud State: “Congratulations on 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, the creation of an all-new Broadmoor Trophy that is presented to the league playoff champion each year, high your retirement from a long career of service to the WCHA. You are an quality reproductions of the MacNaughton Cup and Broadmoor Trophy example of class, caring, and integrity. And you always made others feel that go to the championship teams each year, a striking and bold update special. My thanks to you my friend!” of the league’s iconic logo and a unique WCHA Style Guide created in con’t on next page

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Pictured at the WCHA Final Five at Xcel Energy Center is the Fort Frances gang – legends of college hockey all. From left to right: Keith ‘Huffer’ Christiansen, Mike ‘Lefty’ Curran, Bruce McLeod, Brush Christiansen, and Gino Gasparini. WCHA M Release • Commissioner to Retire • 122013 2013 that accentuates the WCHA brand, its history and championships and is complete with downloadable league and team logos, official colors, and usage guidelines. And now, here in 2013-14, he was a driving force in the first-ever conference-wide broadband and video streaming initiative with America ONE Sports – a successful development which has enabled fans around the world to watch men’s league-member home games live and on demand. McLeod’s tenure has also included a regular connection to the inter- national hockey community, which resulted in overseas trips for WCHA All-Star Teams in 1998 to Switzerland for the Kolin Cup and in 1990 to Norway, as well tours of WCHA member clubs by European-based hockey teams from Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Italy and Latvia. McLeod has also been a regular visitor to the annual IIHF Men’s World Championship, where he meets up with officials and his many friends within the international hockey community. McLeod orchestrated the WCHA’s memorable 50th Anniversary Season celebration in 2000-01, which featured among the many promo- tions a season-long announcement of the WCHA Top 50 Players in 50 Years, a commemorative poster and commemorative merchandise, and a highlight reception and celebration of the WCHA in Saint Paul during the WCHA Final Five weekend. Among the legends in the WCHA Top 50 Players in 50 Years are the likes of John Mayasich, Bill ‘Red’ Hay, Keith Magnuson, Tony Esposito, Bill Masterton, Red Berenson, Brett Hull, Chris Chelios, Doug Palazzari, Mark Johnson, ‘Huffer’ Christiansen, Bill Nyrop, Tom Kurvers, Ron Grahame and Greg Johnson. McLeod was linemates with ‘Huffer’ Christiansen and Ever a proponent of encouraging the growth and expansion of the Pat Francisco at UMD in the late 1960s. He could also collegiate game, McLeod has been instrumental in the addition of score, racking up 81 points in 77 collegiate games. new men’s member teams in Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1999, Bemidji State University and University of Nebraska Omaha in What They’re Saying About Bruce McLeod … 2010, and most recently, in the midst of an upheaval of the collegiate hockey landscape and the loss of eight teams during the summer of Bob DeGregorio, Commissioner, Association: “Bruce 2012, keeping the WCHA out front as a leader. The league went out and McLeod has been a catalyst in helping to improve and advance Division secured six new teams in University of Alabama Huntsville, University of 1 Ice Hockey. Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with him Alaska Fairbanks, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, in several capacities and he has always worked for the betterment of Lake Superior State University and Northern Michigan University, and Division 1 Ice Hockey. We have become good friends through our many combined with University of Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State, Michigan hours together attending meetings, the Ice Breaker, the Frozen Four, etc. Technological University and Minnesota State, give the league a He loves dinner in the North End in Boston and the cannoli's from Mike’s. highly-competitive 10-team circuit beginning with the 2013-14 season. I wish Bruce a long, healthy and happy retirement.” McLeod has always been among a select group of individuals who Pat Francisco, UMD Teammate: “I’ve known Bruce since he came to have had continual impact on the college hockey scene – whether UMD as a skinny kid from Fort Frances. From that time till now, Bruce has con’t on next page always shown the ability to positively connect with people and to exhibit enduring loyalty. Bruce is inclusive and the consummate team player. If one looks back at the measurable success of the WCHA, one would find these virtues to be at the heart of that success. That’s his style, that’s his legacy, and in my opinion, it is more rare than it ought to be in today’s business world. I congratulate Bruce on his success and retirement and I am proud to call him teammate and friend.” Ron Grahame, Assistant Vice Chancellor/Senior Associate Athletics Director, University of Denver: “I have known Bruce McLeod for over 30 years and have always viewed him as a principled individual, dedicated to doing what was best for college hockey and the sport of ice hockey. He could be counted on to bring all constituents together toward a common goal while acknowledging the many different perspectives of each institu- tion and their staff, as well as other conferences. His tireless work as the Commissioner of the WCHA was instrumental in growing the league to a position of preeminence throughout the country.” Steve Hagwell, Commissioner, ECAC Hockey: “Bruce has been a great colleague, and, more importantly, a mentor and friend. From the moment we met back in the late 1990s to today, Bruce's passion for the sport and tireless efforts to enhance the game – not just the league he adminis- ters – have been evident. Hockey, not just college hockey, is losing a true advocate of the sport. It truly is my privilege and honor to call Bruce Bruce McLeod presents a WCHA Top 50 Players in 50 my friend. I will miss our interaction, but certainly hope that our paths Years award to legend John Mayasich at the league’s continue to cross.” 50th anniversary celebration in Saint Paul con’t on next page WCHA M Release • Commissioner to Retire • 122013

What They’re Saying About Bruce McLeod … Norm Jones, Longtime Hockey Television and Radio Broadcaster: “I grew up in Colorado Springs watching the WCHA and . My first media job was broadcasting CC hockey and then later University of Denver hockey. My point is to simply focus on the great tradition of WCHA hockey through the years. In my opinion, there was no one better than Bruce McLeod in maintaining and improving upon the foundation of the best collegiate hockey league in the country. His development of the post-season tournament and WCHA Final Five made it the best in the country. What I most respect about Bruce was his steadfast and deter- mined effort to make certain the WCHA continued on in the strongest possible manner following the recent shake-up of the college hockey landscape. I will always value his friendship and support.” Tom Kurvers, former NHL General Manager, Stanley Cup Winner, Hobey Baker Memorial Award Winner: “Bruce has been a good friend since we met in Duluth in 1980. His commitment to UMD and the WCHA have helped shape college hockey. The WCHA tournament became one Bruce McLeod with 2013 Hobey Baker Memorial of the finest hockey events in the world under his guidance. Bruce is a Award winner Drew LeBlanc and Hobey Baker hockey lifer … and a genuine good guy.” Legends of Hockey Recipient Jeff Sauer Walt Kyle, Coach, Northern Michigan: “I have been fortunate to know Bruce closely for more than 30 years, from his time at Minnesota Duluth, the topic concerns playing rules, expansion, the national tournament, the first era when Northern Michigan was in the WCHA, and on to him sponsorships and promotions, professional ice hockey, or television. He being WCHA Commissioner. His love and passion for the game of college was instrumental in the formation of a new Division 1 college hockey hockey, and his dedication and commitment to the sport, have always league – – which announced in 2001 that they been at the forefront. His integrity and his leadership, and the enthusi- would name their championship trophy in his honor. He is a key contrib- asm that comes through in every conversation I’ve had with him, have utor to the sport on national, international and professional levels and left no doubt that what he was doing was always in the best interest of plays a lead role in the Hockey Commissioners’ Association. The HCA has the league and the game. I will always value his friendship and advice.” been a springboard of ideas for the six Div. 1 conference’s, having intro- Jack Larson, General Manager, Xcel Energy Center: “Bruce McLeod duced a national rookie of the year award, the Derek Hines’ Unsung Hero leaves an incredible legacy as Commissioner of the WCHA. Under Bruce’s Award, national player and rookie of the month awards, a XM Satellite radio show, and the formation of College Hockey, Inc. He also serves on leadership the WCHA became a conference powerhouse, and the WCHA the Board of Directors for both College Hockey Inc., and USA Hockey, Inc. Final Five became the most successful college hockey tournament in the “Bruce has been a great colleague, and, more importantly, a mentor nation. Bruce is the kind of guy you want to have on your team; good-na- and friend, said Steve Hagwell, ECAC Hockey Commissioner. “From the tured and good-hearted. His dedication and passion for promoting moment we met back in the late 1990s to today, Bruce’s passion for collegiate hockey is immeasurable. We couldn’t have asked for a better the sport and tireless efforts to enhance the game – not just the league partner and we wish him all the best.” he administers – have been evident. Hockey, not just college hockey, is Don Lucia, Coach, Minnesota and Colorado College: “When I arrived losing a true advocate of the sport. It truly is my privilege and honor to at Colorado College in 1993 and spent the next 20 years coaching in the call Bruce my friend.” WCHA, there was no greater mentor for me than Bruce McLeod. He is In January of 2007, at the passing of longtime colleague and former someone I have always greatly respected and nobody gave more to the WCHA Commissioner Otto Breitenbach, McLeod’s passion could be felt in WCHA as a player and administrator, or cared more about the league, his words. than Bruce. I want to thank him for all his service to help grow college “There are really no adequate words to describe what Otto meant to hockey during his time and wish him all the best in retirement.” all of us in the WCHA family as well as throughout athletic circles across Joel Maturi, Former Athletic Director, Minnesota: “I have always the country,” said McLeod. “Otto touched so many lives in so many stated that being the Commissioner of a one-sport conference is positive ways over the years and so many of us owe so very much to him. Our lasting memories of his qualities as a father, grandfather, coach, extremely challenging because of the membership make-up. Bruce leader and mentor are a fitting tribute to a truly great man. Three words McLeod has done an unbelievable job of responding to the needs of always come to mind when I think of Otto – quality, class, gentleman. He the WCHA membership, whether they be Division I, II or III institutions. has left a noteworthy legacy through everyone that ever had a chance to The success of the WCHA on and off the ice is second to none in college know him and we will all miss him dearly.” hockey. We have been the envy of all due to Bruce’s ability to add institu- McLeod’s on-going efforts on behalf of amateur ice hockey have tions, improve the play-off system and develop the successful WCHA Final seen him twice honored nationally – first with the United States Hockey Five. Bruce is respected by his colleagues for his love of the game, his Hall of Fame’s first-ever President’s Award in 2003 and second with the ability to communicate and his desire to do what is best for the sport. His American Hockey Coaches’ Association Jim Fullerton Award in 2004. The imprint on the league and the game are immeasurable. Bruce has been a President’s Award is presented to an individual who has made a signifi- colleague, commissioner, confidant and friend. I treasure our relationship cant and long-term commitment to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. and am thankful that he and his wife, Sande, have been in our lives.” “Being honored with the first President’s Award was unexpected, Dave Ogrean, Executive Director, USA Hockey, Inc.: “Bruce has always but I’m very appreciative”, said McLeod at the time. “When I work had the best interests of the game at heart,” said Dave Ogrean, executive with various groups, I don’t think about recognition such as this. In my director of USA Hockey. “He’s had such a positive impact on the sport many years of working with the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, the overall and in particular at the college level. We wish him nothing but the pleasure has truly been mine.” best in retirement.” con’t on next page con’t on next page WCHA M Release • Commissioner to Retire • 122013

What They’re Saying About Bruce McLeod … Doug Palazzari, Executive Director, US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum: “Bruce has contributed so much to college hockey over the years. His love for the game and calm demeanor in approaching problems and oppor- tunities will be sorely missed by everyone. What a great career! Thanks Bruce.” Bob Peters, Former Coach, Bemidji State and Commissioner, College Hockey America: “Bruce McLeod has had a profound and positive impact on U.S. collegiate hockey over his 20-year tenure as Commissioner of the WCHA. His tireless efforts on behalf of the sport, for both men and women, are legendary. McLeod played a major role in establishing the WCHA’s women’s league, an excellent display of his foresight. In addition, “Bruce leaves an incredible legacy as Commissioner of the WCHA. Under his leadership the WCHA became his strong guidance is evident in the very successful WCHA Final Five, long a conference powerhouse, and the WCHA Final Five regarded as the most prominent post-season championship tournament became the most successful college hockey tournament in the history of collegiate hockey. A person of unfailing dedication, he in the nation. Bruce is the kind of guy you want to have truly ranks as a collegiate hockey legend.” on your team; good-natured and good-hearted. His Jeff Sauer, Former Coach, Wisconsin and Colorado College: “Bruce dedication and passion for promoting collegiate hockey McLeod has both continued and enhanced the long-standing traditions is immeasurable.” Jack Larson, GM, Xcel Energy Center and financial success of the WCHA in his time as Commissioner. Under his leadership, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association was – without The Jim Fullerton Award, meanwhile, recognizes an individual who reservation – the best collegiate hockey conference in the country.” loves the purity of the sport of ice hockey – whether a coach, adminis- , Coach, Bemidji State: “Bruce McLeod has been a trator, trainer, official, journalist or simply a fan – and who exemplifies steady presence in the world of college hockey, helping shape one of the Jim Fullerton, who gave as much as he received and never stopped most prestigious college hockey conferences in the nation. His commit- caring about the direction in which the game was heading. McLeod has ment to the game, its players, fans and institution members is evident in been involved with the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s annual fund-raising the great successes of the WCHA and its tremendous fan following. His game since it’s inception in 1974, when it was first played in the Eveleth vision and integrity will be greatly missed.” Hippodrome, and has helped bring the game into ever bigger arenas. Greg Shepherd, WCHA Supervisor of Officials, College Referee: “For “Through Bruce’s efforts and commitment to help the Hall, we have more than 20 years as a colleague and over 30 years as a friend, Bruce this wonderful college hockey game once a year and in many cases our McLeod has always been a person I looked up to. This is a sad day for our Faceoff Classic has opened new arenas across the country,” said Jim sport. We are losing a true mentor. A person that cares about everyone Findley, Board of Directors and President of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. more then himself; a person that works 365 days a year to make college Here in the 2013-14 season, commitment to the game of college hockey the best. I have learned so much from Bruce. How to treat people, hockey by the league and its teams continues as strong as ever, and how to deal with upset coaches, and just life in general. Because of him, I McLeod could not be happier that the future of the league is bright. am a better man, a better supervisor and a better person. The WCHA and Covering a wide and diverse geographical area of more than 4,100 miles all of college will miss him and what he has done.” and across five time zones, the 10 men’s and eight women’s member institutions that make up the WCHA feature the best in both educational Mike Snee, Executive Director, College Hockey, Inc.: “Bruce McLeod and athletic environments, administrations dedicated to the sport and has contributed so much to college hockey since his playing career began the student-athlete, and enthusiastic fans across the board. at Minnesota Duluth in 1966. It will be hard to imagine him not being “As a group, we’ve had some bumps and bruises and weathered some commissioner of the WCHA next fall. I’ve been fortunate to work with difficult times, but the one thing that has remained constant has been Bruce in a variety of roles for nearly 15 years now and have enjoyed all of our respect of each other and our collective commitment and effort to it. His love for college hockey is evident the moment you meet him. Bruce do what’s best both for the WCHA and the game of ice hockey,” said is a true legend of college hockey!” McLeod. “And of that I could not be more proud.” Rick Yeo, Former Athletic Director, Michigan Tech: “I was honored Prior to being named WCHA Commissioner, McLeod had over 25 years to have been the Chair of the Selection Committee when Bruce McLeod of service at his alma mater of Minnesota Duluth, serving as Athletic was chosen as WCHA Commissioner. During his tenure, he exhibited the Director, assistant athletic director, business manager, and sports infor- fine qualities that we expected from him in making our decision. Bruce mation director after graduating in 1969. One of the people he worked was considered the leading Commissioner in NCAA hockey, due to his for at UMD and still admires to this day was the late Ralph Romano, keen knowledge of the game, tireless efforts to do whatever was best for former hockey coach and successful athletic director who was a major the sport, and willingness to communicate with all levels to improve the influence in the growth and success of collegiate athletics there. McLeod game. One of his major accomplishments, I believe, is the growth of the was a four-year hockey player for the Bulldogs, producing 81 points in 77 games as a winger between 1966-69. He ranked second in scoring in the WCHA Final Five, which brought about capacity attendance and helped WCHA as a sophomore and served as UMD’s team captain in 1968-69. league member institutions considerably financially. Bruce was 100% Indeed, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association – and the entire committed to his task and will be a difficult man to replace. He is a dear ice hockey community – owe a debt of gratitude to Bruce McLeod. His friend and I wish him well in his much-deserved retirement.” tireless efforts in promoting the game at all levels, ensuring a memora- ble experience for student-athletes who play the game, and working diligently to ensure its continued growth and health, have ensured a legacy that puts him among the legends of the game.

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