KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO) – According to a report from the Kalamazoo Gazette, Western Michigan Hockey is expected to announce on Thursday they will be joining the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

The Broncos had received an invitation to join the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, but will decline and along with St. Cloud State will join the NCHA.

The addition of WMU and St. Cloud State will up the total number of schools in the NCHA to 8, joining founding members Colorado College, University of Denver, Miami University (OH), Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha, and University of North Dakota.

The switch to a new conference will the second major change for the Broncos Hockey Team in just over 2 months, as Andy Murray will take over as head coach.  Previous head coach Jeff Blashill resigned in July to take a position with the Detroit Red Wings.

An official announcement will be made Thursday at 10am. WKZO will have more tomorrow after the press conference.