By Michael Caples –
The Western Collegiate Hockey Association announced today that Bill Robertson will replace long-time commissioner Bruce McLeod this summer.
Robertson, 53, will take over the WCHA commissioner post, held by McLeod for the last 20 years.
“I am excited about this wonderful opportunity to help lead and guide the WCHA for many years to come,” said Robertson in a press release. “It is truly an honor to serve this iconic sports and collegiate hockey conference, while showcasing some of the top student-athletes and institutions in the country.”
Robertson will oversee a changing WCHA that now features Michigan schools Ferris State, Northern Michigan, Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State. The WCHA also features Alabama-Huntsville, Alaska, Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State, Bowling Green and Minnesota State in the men’s league.
The WCHA women’s league features Bemidji State, Minnesota, Minnesota Duluth, North Dakota, Ohio State, St. Cloud State and Wisconsin.
Robertson was Vice President of communications and Broadcasting for the Minnesota Wild and parent company Minnesota Sports & Entertainment from 1999-2011. In that time frame, he helped the NHL franchise with events, media relations, community relations, publications and broadcasting, along with league and broadcast schedule negotations.
“We are thrilled to announce Bill Robertson as the next commissioner of the WCHA,” said Dr. Richard Davenport, President of Minnesota State University, Mankato, who led the search committee, in the release. “He has been a champion of collegiate hockey and a strong partner of the WCHA for many years. Bill is a proven leader and expert communicator with tremendous experience developing sports organizations and events across the country, including the WCHA Final Five. His knowledge of the organization, passion for the game, and respect for the collegiate experience make him a great choice to shepherd this new era for the WCHA.”
Before joining the Wild, Robertson directed communications for the MLB’s Anaheim Angels, the NHL’s Mighty Ducks and the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves. He was the media relations liaison for both the USA men’s and women’s Olympic ice hockey teams in Salt Lake City (2002) and Torino (2006).
“The Western Collegiate Hockey Association made a great choice. Bill’s years of experience in professional and amateur hockey have allowed him to develop tremendous relationships at all levels of hockey,” said Mike Snee, executive director of College Hockey, Inc. “He also understands both the significant history of the WCHA as well as the opportunities the league has in the future.”