American Collegiate Hockey Association

American Collegiate Hockey Association
Governing Body

ACHA Primary Logo
Executive Staff
President Marshall Stevenson
Executive Director Chris Wilk
Treasurer Brian Moran
Secretary Jim Martin
Commissioners
Division 1 Brian Moran
Division 2 Mike Radakovich
Division 3 Rick Kaminski
Women's Ashley Collier
Vice-Presidents
Division 1 Bill Shannon
Division 2 Paul Hebert
Division 3 Sam Kelly
Women's Beth McCann

The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) is the national governing body of non-varsity college ice hockey in the U.S. The organization provides structure, regulations, promotes the quality of play, sponsors National Awards and National Tournaments.

The ACHA currently has five divisions (three men's and two women's) with 450 teams from across the United States. Teams offer no athletic scholarships and typically receive far less university funding. ACHA teams attract considerable on-campus attention and the quality of play is considered quite high, especially in the top division.[1]

The ACHA offers an opportunity for college hockey programs who struggle with large budgets and title IX issues an alternative to the NCAA structure .[2]

The American Collegiate Hockey Association is a chartered non-profit corporation.[3]

Contents

Policies and regulation

The ACHA's primary mission is to support the growth of two-year and four-year collegiate hockey programs nationwide. The ACHA identifies standards that serve to unite and regulate teams at the collegiate level. The ACHA emphasizes academic performance, institutional sanction, eligibility criteria, and standards of play and opportunities for national competition, and the ACHA promotes all aspects of collegiate hockey stressing the personal development of individual athletes as well as national recognition for member organizations. In order to do this, the ACHA has developed organizational by-laws and a Policies and Procedures Manual to provide the policy foundation for the organization as it works to fulfill its purpose. These documents are reviewed yearly at the ACHA's annual meeting.

The ACHA's policies cover team and player eligibility, rules of play, ranking procedures, national tournament procedures, and other administrative issues, although the ACHA parallels the NCAA Division III with most eligibility requirements, gameplay rules, etc. The league holds its annual meeting in conjunction with the annual convention of the American Hockey Coaches Association, in the month of April in Naples, Florida.

ACHA history

The ACHA was established on April 20, 1991. Fifteen charter members met during the Chicago Showcase in Skokie, IL at the North Shore Hilton. These member teams had been playing college hockey for many years but wished to legitimize its play by standardizing some of its procedures.

The members that created the organization were: Tom Keegan (ACHA), Al Murdoch (Iowa State), Joe Battista (Penn State), Jim Gilmore (Ohio), Ernie Ferrari (Stanford), Howard Jenks (California-Berkeley), Jeff Aikens (North Dakota State), Don Spencer (West Virginia), Jim Barry (Navy), Scott Fuller (Navy), Leo Golembiewski (Arizona), Ron Starr (DePaul), Cary Adams (PCHA), Jim Warden (PCHA), and Jack White (UCLA).

The inaugural year of the ACHA was the 1991-1992 season. The goal of the organization was to create an impartial governing body to monitor national tournaments, player eligibility, and general oversight. Over the years the ACHA quickly grew to over 150 teams in three men's divisions.

A Women's Division was added in 2000 with a second Women's division being added for the 2006-2007 season.

By the 2001-2002 season, marking their 10th year anniversary, the ACHA had a total of 179 teams registered with 33 teams in Division I, 100 teams in Division II, 18 teams in Division III, and 20 teams in the Women's Division.

By the 2002-2003 season that number raised to over 250 teams, with Division III adding over 80 teams alone.

By the 2003-2004 season the number raised to 278 teams: 40 teams in D-I, 124 teams in D-II, 87 teams in D-III, and 27 teams in the Women's Division.

By the summer of 2007 ACHA membership had reached 360 teams (M1-54, M2-190, M3-139, W1-32, W2-8), that cover 48 of the 50 states.

During the summer of 2009 the University of Alaska Fairbanks established a Women's Division Two team becoming the 49th state in the ACHA. Hawaii is currently the only state without an ACHA team.

Membership

The ACHA has both men's and women's teams. The men's side is made up of three divisions of teams: Division I, II, and III. Each of the separate divisions has its own distinguishing set of guidelines. The women's side had one division, with its inaugural season started in 2000 with 15 teams.

Despite most teams non-varsity status, the caliber of ACHA play can be quite high, especially in Division 1. Many large universities that do not sponsor hockey at the NCAA varsity level have become powerhouses, such as Ohio University, the University of Illinois, and Penn State. Additionally, several universities that do sponsor NCAA varsity hockey teams also field an ACHA-affiliated teams. Of all non-varsity sports activities, the ACHA-affiliated hockey teams generally garner the most attention at their universities, such as Missouri State University and the University of Kentucky where it is the 3rd largest spectator sport. The same with the University of Arizona, where no university funding goes to the team (along with no university promotion) but still draws the third largest fan base behind football and basketball.

All ACHA teams are members of USA Hockey and the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA).

Conferences

The ACHA offers Men's Division 1, 2 & 3 as well as Women's Division 1 and 2.

Men's conferences

Women's conference

International competition

Players are selected from Men's ACHA schools to represent USA hockey in international competition on ACHA Select Teams and at the World University Games.[4]

Logos

The original ACHA logo was created by Dave Kammerdeiner of the West Virginia University Art Department under the direction of Don Spencer for a cost of $50.

In August 2003, the ACHA held an official contest to design a new logo, with the winning school receiving free registration for the 2003-2004 season. The University of Washington's Husky Hockey team won the contest, with former graphic-design intern Tom Eykemans designing the new version of the logo (as shown above).

Men's champions

Division 1

ACHA Founded in 1991 - First ACHA Nationals held at Penn State University.

Year National Champion Runner-Up Location Host
1989-1990 Penn State Iowa State Athens, OH Ohio University
1990-1991 North Dakota State Arizona Tucson, AZ University of Arizona
1991–1992 Iowa State Michigan-Dearborn State College, PA Penn State University
1992–1993 North Dakota State Penn State Fargo, ND North Dakota State
1993–1994 North Dakota State Eastern Michigan Ames, IA Iowa State University
1994–1995 Ohio University Penn State Tucson, AZ University of Arizona
1995–1996 Ohio University Iowa State Athens, OH Ohio University
1996–1997 Ohio University Iowa State Ann Arbor, MI Eastern Michigan University
1997–1998 Penn State Ohio University Ames, IA Iowa State University
1998–1999 Vacated Penn State Newark, DE University of Delaware
1999–2000 Penn State Eastern Michigan Minot, ND Minot State University
2000–2001 Penn State Delaware Tucson, AZ University of Arizona
2001–2002 Penn State Illinois Laurel, MD Towson University
2002–2003 Penn State Ohio University Athens, OH Ohio University
2003–2004 Ohio University Penn State Ames, IA Iowa State University
2004–2005 Illinois Penn State Bensenville, IL Robert Morris University (Illinois)
2005–2006 Rhode Island Penn State West Chester, PA West Chester University
2006–2007 Oakland University Penn State Youngstown, OH Kent State University
2007–2008 Illinois Lindenwood Rochester, NY Monroe County Sports Commission
2008–2009 Lindenwood Illinois Gates Mills, OH Greater Cleveland Sports Commission
2009–2010 Lindenwood Iowa State Bensenville, IL Robert Morris University (Illinois)
2010-2011 Davenport Lindenwood Newark, DE University of Delaware

Totals

Team Titles Years
Penn State 6 1990, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Ohio University 4 1995, 1996, 1997, 2004
North Dakota State 3 1991, 1993, 1994
Lindenwood University 2 2009, 2010
Illinois 2 2005, 2008
Davenport University 1 2011
Oakland University 1 2007
Rhode Island 1 2006
Iowa State 1 1992

Division 2

Year National Champion Runner-Up Host/Location
1991–1992 Toledo Kentucky DePaul University
1992–1993 Buffalo State Northern Iowa Iowa State University
1993–1994 Ferris State Colorado State Siena College
1994–1995 Colorado State Indiana Colorado State University
1995–1996 Western Michigan Life University University of South Florida
1996–1997 Life University Penn State University of Missouri
1997–1998 Life University Indiana Rutgers University
1998–1999 Life University Michigan State University of Utah
1999–2000 Miami (OH) Indiana Indiana University
2000–2001 Life University Weber State Indiana University
2001–2002 Life University Michigan New York University
2002–2003 Colorado Stony Brook University University of Southern California
2003–2004 Oakland University New York University University of Maryland, College Park
2004–2005 Michigan State Oakland University Oakland University
2005–2006 Oakland University Liberty University Rochester, NY
2006–2007 Michigan State Davenport University Colorado State University
2007–2008 Davenport Indiana Florida Gulf Coast University
2008–2009 Davenport Florida Gulf Coast Grand Valley State University
2009–2010 Davenport Central Connecticut State Super East Collegiate Hockey League
2010-2011 Grand Valley State Michigan State San Jose State University

Totals

Team Titles Years
Life University 5 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002
Davenport University 3 2008, 2009, 2010
Michigan State 2 2005, 2007
Oakland University 2 2004, 2006
Grand Valley State 1 2011
Colorado 1 2003
Miami (OH) 1 2000
Western Michigan 1 1996
Colorado State 1 1995
Ferris State 1 1994
Buffalo State 1 1993
Toledo 1 1992

Division 3

Year National Champion Runner-Up Host/Location
1999–2000 Butler Georgia Tech US Naval Academy
2000–2001 Wyoming South Dakota State Georgia Tech
2001–2002 Robert Morris (PA) Wyoming Georgia Tech
2002–2003 Muskegon College Hope College Muskegon Community College
2003–2004 Calvin College Georgia Arizona State University
2004–2005 Colorado Florida Gulf Coast California University of PA
2005–2006 Wright State Northwood University Florida Gulf Coast University
2006–2007 Kennesaw State Albany Fort Wayne, IN
2007–2008 California University of PA San Diego State Rochester, MN
2008–2009 Saginaw Valley State Florida Gulf Coast Rochester, NY
2009–2010 Saginaw Valley State Hope College Estero, FL
2010-2011 College of the Canyons Hope College Holland, MI

Totals

Team Titles Years
Saginaw Valley State 2 2009, 2010
College of the Canyons 1 2011
California University of PA 1 2008
Kennesaw State 1 2007
Wright State 1 2006
Colorado 1 2005
Calvin College 1 2004
Muskegon College 1 2003
Robert Morris (PA) 1 2002
Wyoming 1 2001
Butler 1 2000

Women's champions

Division 1 champions

Year National Champion Runner Up Location
2000–2001 St. Cloud State Arizona State Wentzville, MO
2001–2002 Wisconsin St. Cloud State Alpharetta, GA
2002–2003 Michigan State Wisconsin Muskegon, MI
2003–2004 Wisconsin Rhode Island East Lansing, MI
2004–2005 Robert Morris (IL) Michigan State Buffalo, NY
2005–2006 Lindenwood University Robert Morris (IL) Wentzville, MO
2006–2007 Robert Morris (IL) Lindenwood University Amherst, MA
2007–2008 Lindenwood University Robert Morris (IL) Bensenville, IL
2008–2009 Lindenwood University Robert Morris (IL) Rochester, NY
2009–2010 Lindenwood University Michigan State Blaine, MN
2010-2011 Michigan State Northeastern University Kalamazoo, MI

Totals

Team Titles Years
Lindenwood University 4 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010
Michigan State 2 2003, 2011
Robert Morris (IL) 2 2005, 2007
Wisconsin 2 2002, 2004
St. Cloud State 1 2001

Division 2 champions

Year National Champion Runner Up Location
2006–2007 St. Scholastica Minnesota-Duluth Amherst, MA
2007–2008 Rainey River College Minnesota-Duluth Bensenville, IL
2008–2009 Rainey River College St. Scholastica Rochester, NY
2009–2010 Northeastern University Rainey River College Blaine, MN
2010-2011 Rainey River College West Chester University Kalamazoo, MI

Totals

Team Titles Years
Rainey River College 3 2008, 2009, 2011
Northeastern University 1 2010
St. Scholastica 1 2007

Notable players in professional leagues

Player Position ACHA Team Years Professional Teams Years
Mike Sellitto F Florida Gulf Coast (M2) 2007–2009 Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL) 2010–present
Ryan Bond F Lindenwood U. (M1) 2006–2009 Battle Creek Revolution (AAHL) 2009–present
Thomas Keough F U. Of Delaware (M1) 2005-2009 New York Aviators (NEPHL) 2009-2010
Andrew Rummel F West Chester (M1) 2005–2006 Jersey Rockhoppers(EPHL), Varkaus Eagles (FINLAND-2) 2006–2009
Tamio Stehrenberger G Brigham Young (M2) 2003–2004 Idaho Steelheads (ECHL), Utah Grizzlies (ECHL) 2005–2006
Danny Force D Univ of Oklahoma (M1) 2003–2007 Texas Brahmas (CHL), New Jersey Rockhoppers (EPHL), Indiana Ice Miners (MAHL) 2007–2009
Marc Kuchler D Drexel University (M1) 2003–2006 Trenton Titans (ECHL) 2005–2006
Wes Baughman D Davenport Univ. (M2) 2003–2008 Battle Creek Revolution (AAHL) 2008–2010
Nick Edinger F Eastern Michigan (M1) 2000–2001 Toledo Storm (ECHL) 2000–2002
Jake Pruss G Eastern Michigan (M1) 2001–2005 Rockford IceHogs (UHL) 2005–2006
Marcel Bourdase LW Fresno State (M3) 2002–2006 Fresno Falcons (ECHL) 2006–2007
Glenn Detulleo F Iowa State (M1) 2000–2001 Essen Mosquitoes (Oberliga), Berlin Capitals (Oberliga), Missouri River Otters (UHL), Quad City Mallards (UHL), Kalamazoo Wings (UHL/IHL), Elmira Jackals (UHL), Wichita Thunder (CHL), Mississippi RiverKings (CHL) 2003–present
T. J. Toal F Lindenwood U. (M1) 2003–2005 Missouri River Otters (UHL) 2004–2005
Nick Bet LW Michigan State (M2) 2005–2006 Flint Generals (UHL), Battle Creek Revolution (AAHL) 2006–present
Will McMahon F Oakland University (M1) 2003–2007 Quad City Mallards (UHL) 2006–2007
Dan Oleksy D Oakland University (M1) 2001–2006 Port Huron Flags (UHL), Detroit Dragons (AAHL), Detroit Hitmen (AAHL) 2005–present
Ryan Webb F Oakland University (M1) 2005–2006 Flint Generals (UHL) Jacksonville Barracudas (SPHL) 2005–present
Tony Arkeilpane RW Ohio University (M1) 2000–2004 Kansas City Outlaws (UHL) 2004–2005
Ryan Baksh G Ohio University (M1) 2004–2007 Tartu Big Diamonds (Latvian Hockey League) 2007–2008
Brandon Hanley LW Ohio University (M1) 2004–2007 Tartu Big Diamonds (Latvian Hockey League) 2007–2008
Scott Walls G Ohio University (M1) 1998–2001 Knoxville Speed (UHL) 2001–2002
Don Coyne D Penn State University (M1) 1995–1999 Abilene Aviators (WPHL), Saginaw/Ohio Gears (UHL), Tacoma Sabercats (WCHL), Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies (ECHL) 1999–2002
Justin Depretis F Penn State University (M1) 2001–2006 Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), Wichita Thunder (CHL), Indiana Ice Miners (MAHL), Flint Generals (IHL) 2006–2009
Bill Downey RW Penn State University (M1) 2001–2004 Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL), Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), Alaska Aces (ECHL), Richmond Riverdogs (UHL), Reading Royals (ECHL) 2003–2008
Brian Gratz G Penn State University (M1) 2002–2004 Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL), Fort Wayne Komets (UHL), Reading Royals (ECHL), Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), Indiana Ice Miners (coach) 2004–2007
Nick Pappas F Penn State University (M1) 1982–1985 Troy Sabres (CnHL), Virginia Lancers (ACHL, AAHL), Skovde IK (Sweden), Hvidovre (Denmark) 1995-1990
Curtiss Patrick D Penn State University (M1) 2001–2004 Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL), Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL), Wichita Thunder (CHL) 2004–2009
Mike Pietrangelo RW Penn State University (M1) 1994–1998 Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), Peoria Rivermen (ECHL), Toledo Storm (ECHL), Abilene Aviators (WPHL), Jacksonville Lizard Kings (ECHL), Trenton Titans (ECHL), Valley Forge Freedom (MAHL) 1998–2001, 2007–2008
Mark Scally G Penn State University (M1) 1996–2000 Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), W-B/S Penguins (AHL), Asheville Smoke (UHL), Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL), Texas Wildcatters (ECHL), Asheville Aces (SPHL), Long Beach Ice Dogs (ECHL) 2000–2006
Glen Zuck F Penn State University (M1) 2000–2004 Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), Danbury Trashers (UHL) 2004–2005
Tom Boudreau F Robert Morris University-Illinois (M1) 2003–2005 Huddinge IK (Sweden), Indiana Ice Miners (MAHL), Reading Royals & Bakersfield Condors (ECHL), Wichita Thunder (CHL), Jersey Rockhoppers (EPHL), Mississippi Surge (SPHL) 2006–present
Andy Gojdycz D Rutgers University (M1) 1996–1999 Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies (ECHL) 2002–2003
Jordan Janes C Saint Louis University (M1) 2001–2004 Missouri River Otters (UHL) 2004–2005
Mark Uvodich F Saint Louis University (M1) 2000–2004 Kansas City Outlaws (UHL) 2004–2005
C. J. Rumsey F Towson University (M1) 2001–2002 Elmira Jackals (UHL) 2006–2007
Joe McCaffrey D U. of Arizona (M1) 1996–1999 Dayton Bombers (ECHL) 2002–2003
Adam Kubalski G UCLA (M2) 2003–2007 KH Sanok (PZHL - Poland - Elite), Zagłebie Sosnowiec (PZHL) , KTH Krynica (PZHL), 2007–present
Bill Bowlen D U. of Colorado (M2) 2002–2003 Tierps (Sweden) 2003–2004
D. J. Jiletto F University of Utah (M2) 2002–2003 Utah Grizzlies (ECHL), Oklahoma City Blazers (CHL), 2005–2008
Nick Razzi C U. of Delaware (M1) 2001–2004 Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies (ECHL), Huntsville Havoc (SPHL) 2004–2005
Ryan Lowe G San Jose State (M2) 2003–2007 Utah Grizzlies (ECHL), Canberra Knights (AIHL) 2008–2009
Emery Lovse F Calvin College (M3) 2004–2008 Evansville IceMen (AAHL) 2008–2009

References

See also

External links

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