5 Minn. hockey teams forming new tournament

Five Minnesota hockey programs are joining to form the state's first Division 1 men's hockey tournament.

It will include the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University - Mankato, St. Cloud State University, University of Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State University.

Those programs are currently part of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, but next season the teams will be separated into three conferences.

The University of Minnesota will join the Big Ten Conference, and St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth will be part of the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Officials say the new state tournament will allow the former conference rivals to maintain frequent play.

The tournament is scheduled for Jan. 24-25, 2014. Two semifinal games are scheduled for the first day, a Friday, and a consolation and championship game are planned on Saturday.

Officials say they will hold a contest to create a name for the tournament.

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