DENVER (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says former U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Jim Scherr will be the first commissioner of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

The person confirmed the deal, first reported by the Colorado Springs Gazette, to The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity because an announcement has yet to be made.

The NCHC will introduce its new commissioner Wednesday. The eight-team conference starts play in 2013 and will include WCHA teams Colorado College, Denver, North Dakota, Minnesota-Duluth and St. Cloud State.

Scherr worked as CEO of the USOC beginning in 2003 but was unexpectedly ousted in 2009. A former Olympic wrestler, he also served as executive director of USA Wrestling from 1990-2000.

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