It's unfortunate that both can't find a conference home, but only Atlantic Hockey has an open conference spot. The NCHC, WCHA, and Big Ten would all have open slots for the right teams.

http://bostonherald.com/sports/college/2...anselm_uriAtlantic Hockey to chose either Rhode Island or St Anselm for 12th team

Quote:Saint Anselm and the URI have the inside track to become the next members of Atlantic Hockey with UConn departing for Hockey East at the end of the 2013-14 season, sources told the Herald.

“We’re very strong contenders. The issue, right now, is really the money. I see it really as something that’s going to happen,” said Roberta Blute, who is heading up the private Blue Line Commission, comprised of URI alumni and faculty, which is seeking to raise nearly $5 million to fund the upgrade of the men’s hockey program from club to varsity status. “We’re being aggressive on this. It’s going to take time and money.”