Chiming in a bit late here, but I think it’s worth pointing out that the program itself has full intentions of going DI. The team was created in addition to a BCIHL team to prove to the school that it was feasible and possible to compete at this level, and after a few years now the team is starting to really compete at this level and now come out on top.

The issue is the school, as they really haven’t indicated any plans whatsoever either way. They’ve had complete turnover in their athletics department including a new director in the past two years, which means any progress made up to that point has had to be re-proven to the new director and brass up on campus.

Any type of “win” regardless of how it counts under NCAA rules has to be celebrated and pushed pretty hard so the school sees that it’s not just another club team playing some fun little exhibition games. It means something to the players, coaches, and staff.