WCRHL Adds New Teams in 2002-03

WCRHL welcomes 5 new teams in the 2002-2003 season. The addition of Cal State Univ. San Bernardino, Chapman University, Santa Barbara City College, UC San Diego, and the return of UC Irvine marks the largest expansion in league history to date. All 5 teams participated in the 2001-2002 season as Associate Members, playing in at least 1 tournament prior to becoming Active Members for this season. All 5 of the above teams participated in the May 18, 2002 Associate Member Tournament, held at Inline Sports Center in Corona, CA. UC Irvine returns after a 3-year hiatus, with a brand new team, about double the size of the old UC Irvine team. UC San Diego had a tough first tournament, but played strong against UC Irvine. CSU San Bernardino and Santa Barbara City College boasted some impressive wins. Chapman University pulled out a tie against Cal Poly Pomona, an Elite Eight finisher at CRHL Nationals 2002. Over the summer, UC Irvine and Chapman University participated in the first WCRHL Ironman Tournament, held in Hermosa Beach, CA. Chapman University had a difficult bracket, with UCLA and Cal Poly Pomona. Chapman advanced to the quarterfinals, before being eliminated. UC Irvine skated strong, finishing first in their bracket against UC Santa Barbara, CSU Monterey Bay, and Cal Poly Pomona B. UC Irvine was eliminated in the semifinals. More additions are in store for the 2002-2003 season. Over 5 Division I and II universities are talking about adding B teams to the WCRHL. This would greatly expand the B Division, as there were currently 3 B teams in 2001-2002. Some teams that are talking about B Teams are CSU Monterey Bay, Chapman University, UC Irvine, Chico State, UC Davis, and CSU San Bernardino. Hopes are high that all of these universities take that step of adding a team in the B Division.