However , in January 2004 , CHA member Findlay announced they would drop hockey from its athletic program effective at the end of the 2003 -- 04 season .
The fledgling six - team conference was first given an automatic bid to the 2003 NCAA Tournament .
In January 2004 , CHA member Findlay announced they would drop hockey from its athletic program effective at the end of the 2003 -- 04 season .
The fledgling six - team conference was first given an automatic bid to the 2003 NCAA Tournament .