AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION EXERCISES OPTION FOR ST. LOUIS AS THE SITE FOR THE 2026 ACHA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, PRESENTED BY FLOHOCKEY
August 6, 2024
AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (ACHA) EXERCISES OPTION FOR ST. LOUIS AS SITE FOR 2026 ACHA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY FLOHOCKEY
TROY, Mich. – (August 6, 2024) – The American Collegiate Hockey Association, the governing body for non-varsity collegiate hockey in the United States, announced today that it will exercise the option clause in the agreement with the St. Louis Sports Commission, National Hockey League’s (NHL) St. Louis Blues, and Centene Community Ice Center to return to St. Louis in 2026 for the ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey.
“After consideration of other possible venues around the country, the dates needed for our event, and the tremendous success the ACHA has enjoyed in St. Louis in 2022 and 2024, most importantly from a student-athlete and fan experience, the ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey will remain in St. Louis with our current hosts in March 2026,” said ACHA Executive Director Craig Barnett.
“The accommodations, facilities and host staff provided by the St. Louis Sports Commission, NHL’s St. Louis Blues, and Centene Community Ice Center have proven their commitment to the ACHA and our member teams as well as their capability to handle our season-ending tournament consisting of 82 teams and 117 games resulting in five National Champions being crowned all in one location as voted on by our ACHA membership in 2023,” Barnett continued.
By exercising this option, the ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey will be held for the next four seasons at the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo. The Centene Community Ice Center previously hosted the 2022 and 2024 ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey and will host the upcoming 2025 ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey from March 13 through March 25.
The dates for each of the upcoming ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey in St. Louis are as follows:
- 2025 ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey, March 13-25
- 2026 ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey, March 12-24
- 2027 ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey, March 11-23
- 2028 ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey, March 9-21
In October 2023, the ACHA announced that St. Louis was selected as the site for the ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey in 2025, 2027, and 2028, with an option to bring the event to St. Louis in 2026. Geographically, St. Louis is centrally located for most teams within the ACHA, which will operate this upcoming season with over 480 member teams in 46 American states and 2 Canadian provinces.
The Centene Community Ice Center is the practice facility for the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. The Maryville University Hockey Center in nearby Chesterfield, Mo., hosted overflow games and practices during the 2022 and 2024 ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey and will do so again for the 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 ACHA National Championships presented by FloHockey.
For more information, please contact Executive Director Craig Barnett at cbarnett@achahockey.org.
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ABOUT AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
The ACHA was founded in 1991 and is the national association for non-varsity collegiate hockey throughout the United States. Our organization of more than 480 colleges and university-affiliated teams representing 46 states provides structure, regulates operations, and promotes the sport of Hockey nationwide. With approximately 13,000 players and coaches as well as countless volunteers and game officials, the ACHA has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade and continues to be a viable option for college bound student-athletes to continue playing competitive hockey nationwide. Headquartered in Troy, Mich., the ACHA’s primary mission is to support the growth of Collegiate Hockey while emphasizing academic performance, personal development, and opportunities for regional, national, and international competition. The ACHA identifies standards which serve to unite and regulate teams at the collegiate level and is entering its 34th season in September 2024. For more information, visit achahockey.org.
ABOUT THE ST. LOUIS BLUES
The St. Louis Blues have been a part of the NHL since 1967. During more than 50 years of operation, the organization has established itself as one of the premier professional sports franchises in the country. With a Stanley Cup, ten division titles, a Presidents’ Trophy and more than 20 former team members enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Blues have etched one of the most storied histories in the NHL. Through their history, the Blues have hosted more than 35 million fans and invested millions in the St. Louis community via Blues for Kids, the team’s charitable foundation. For more info, please visit www.nhl.com/blues or contact Roger Hacker, Chief Communications Officer, at rhacker@stlblues.com.
ABOUT ST. LOUIS LEGACY ICE FOUNDATION
The St. Louis Legacy Ice Foundation was founded to provide individuals from across the St. Louis region – with an emphasis on its youth – with the opportunity to develop their skills in ice sports in a setting that fosters personal growth and excellence. As St. Louis’ flagship ice sports facility, Centene Community Ice Center ensures the region’s ability to attract major ice sport events and tournaments that contribute economic development and job creation while strengthening ice sports throughout our communities. In these and related endeavors, we champion the value inherent in ice sports: commitment, good sportsmanship, teamwork, personal integrity, and respect for others and self. For more information, please visit www.legacyice.org.
ABOUT ST. LOUIS SPORTS COMMISSION
The St. Louis Sports Commission is the independent, privately funded nonprofit organization that makes St. Louis a better place to live, visit, work and play through sports. Its efforts focus on attracting, creating and managing major sporting events for the St. Louis region. The organization uses the power of sports to enhance the area’s quality of life and to create economic and social benefits for the community. The Sports Commission has attracted, supported, and/or produced several high-profile amateur hockey events including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s and Women’s Frozen Fours, NCAA Men’s Hockey Regional, ACHA National Championships, United States Women’s National Team ‘My Why Tour,’ and the USA Hockey Disabled Hockey Festival. For more info, please visit stlsports.org or contact Tim Ryan, Director of Communications at tryan@stlsports.org.
ABOUT CENTENE COMMUNITY ICE CENTER
Centene Community Ice Center is as a state-of-the-art facility designed for hockey programming that is curated for all ages and skill levels. It houses three sheets of ice year-round and features an outdoor rink for use in winter months. It is the official practice facility for the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and serves as the home rink for Lindenwood University (NCAA Division I/ACHA). Alongside hockey development programs, the facility also offers freestyle skating and daily public skate sessions providing a unique experience for locals to get on the ice. The facility, located in Maryland Heights, Mo., opened in September 2019 and is privately managed by OVG360.
ABOUT MARYLAND HEIGHTS
The City of Maryland Heights is home to more than 28,000 residents, 1,900 businesses, 4,000 hotel rooms, and numerous dining, recreation, and entertainment opportunities. Every year, the City welcomes approximately 9 million visitors. Since incorporation in 1985, the City has seen significant growth, both residential and commercial. The City’s mission is to provide superior municipal services in a safe and appealing setting to attract and retain residents committed to our city, thriving businesses, and premier hospitality venues. For more information, visit www.marylandheights.com.
