THREE TEAMS APPROVED TO AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION MEN’S DIVISION I FOR 2025-2026
August 8, 2024
THREE TEAMS APPROVED TO AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION MEN’S DIVISION I FOR 2025-2026
A Record 77 Teams Will Compete in Men’s Division I Next Season
UNION LAKE, Mich. – (August 8, 2024) – The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), announced today that three teams have been approved for Men’s Division I for the 2025-2026 season: University of Louisville (Louisville, Ky.); University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, N.C.); and North Carolina State University (Raleigh, N.C.).
All three institutions currently field ACHA teams competing at the Men’s Division II level. The University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University compete as members of the Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League (ACCHL), while the University of Louisville competes as a member of the Tri-State Collegiate Hockey League (TSCHL).
“We’re excited to accept these three institutions into Men’s Division 1 for the 2025-2026 season,” said Craig Barnett, ACHA Executive Director. “Just six seasons ago, we only had 60 teams playing at the Men’s Division I level and none in Kentucky or North Carolina. By adding the University of Louisville, the University of North Carolina, and North Carolina State University, we continue our mission to grow the game in the southeast at the Men’s Division I level.”
With the addition of the Cardinals, Tar Heels, and Wolfpack, along with the previously announced Hope College (Holland, Mich.), there will be a total of 77 teams playing ACHA Men’s Division I in 26 states during the 2025-2026 season.
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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.
