That happened: The WCHA and two-game, total-goal series

Stu takes another stab at the semi-regular series called "That Happened."

December 10, 2009 at 5:38PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Every so often, often at our prompting, Stu does some research about an absurd piece of history that nobody would believe in a million years -- except that it's true! This go-round: The old WCHA playoff system. Stu?

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The WCHA playoffs used to be set up as a two-game, total-goal series in the '70s and '80s.

You cannot be serious. Next thing, you'll tell me the University of Minnesota hockey team is worse than SCSU, Mankato, UMD and Bemidji State. (Checks WCHA and CHA standings.) Oh. Oh, no. Did you need a moment?

Yes. Take however long you need.

There. Much better. Surely, though, this was an opening-round thing, and they went to a best-of-3 or Final Four bracket for the title? Nope, even the conference champ was determined that way.

Well, that's just stupid. I agree. It's like NBC giving Leno five nights a week in primetime to be not funny.

I would have gone with the Brewers giving Randy Wolf $30 million, but yours works, too. Thank you.

When did the WCHA finally scrap that? 1988.

Geez Louise. Can you imagine if any other sport did that? It would be ridiculous. Agreed. However, it would make Michael Rand happy.

The Strib sports guy with the haircut and all the T-shirts? Why? The Braves would've won the 1991 World Series 29-23.

You see, that's just cruel. Yeah, I know.

Anything else, smart guy? I ran the numbers, and KG still wouldn't have gotten out of the first round until 2004.

about the writer

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Minnesota Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Minnesota Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

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