According to an NHL press release, a smattering of hockey executives will be in Chicago for a “special announcement” in support of college hockey.

The announcement is slated for 5 p.m. Friday at the United Center, home of this year’s NHL Draft.

Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, players’ association executive assistant Mathieu Schneider, USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher, University of Illinois athletics director Josh Whitman and Chicago Blackhawks CEO John McDonough will all be present.

The University of Illinois has a successful ACHA program, but has said funding is an issue when it comes to looking at making the move to NCAA Division I.

Pegula-funded Penn State is in the Big Ten, which is looking to add an eighth member at some point after Notre Dame joins the conference for the 2017-18 season.