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 governing body of club ice hockey, teams not sanctioned by the NCAA. The organization provides structure, regulations and promotes the quality of collegiate ice hockey.
The ACHA currently boasts five divisions (Three men's and two women's) with over 300 teams from across the United States. ACHA teams are not sanctioned by the NCAA; they offer no scholarships and typically receive far less university funding. Despite this informal status, ACHA teams attract considerable on-campus attention and the quality of play is considered quite high, especially in the top division.[citation needed]
Strict NCAA requirements, large operating budgets, and Title IX issues are major reasons why many universities opt to field teams in the ACHA instead of the NCAA.[citation needed]
The American Collegiate Hockey Association is a chartered non-profit corporation.[citation needed]
[edit] 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 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.
[edit] 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. (Alaska and Hawaii have no teams)
[edit] Membership
A map of all ACHA D1 men's hockey teams.
A map of all ACHA D2 men's hockey teams.
A map of all ACHA D3 men's hockey teams.
A map of all ACHA D1 women's hockey teams.
A map of all ACHA D2 women's hockey teams.
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 clubs' non-scholarship, non-varsity status, the caliber of ACHA play can be quite high, especially in D-I. 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 club team. Of all non-varsity sports activities, the ACHA-affiliated hockey clubs generally garner the most attention at their universities, such as the Missouri State University Ice Bears 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 joined the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) in 1999
[edit] Conferences
[edit] Men's conferences
- Note: There are also many independent teams that do not belong to a conference or league.
[edit] Women's conference
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).
[edit] Men's Champions
[edit] Division 1
ACHA Founded in 1991 - First ACHA Nationals held at Penn State University.
| Year | National Champion | Runner-Up | Location | Host |
| 1989-90 | Penn State University | Iowa State University | Athens, OH | Ohio University |
| 1990-91 | North Dakota State | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | University of Arizona |
| 1991-1992 | Iowa State University | University of Michigan–Dearborn | State College, PA | Penn State University |
| 1992-1993 | North Dakota State | Penn State University | Fargo, ND | North Dakota State |
| 1993-1994 | North Dakota State | Eastern Michigan University | Ames, IA | Iowa State University |
| 1994-1995 | Ohio University | Penn State University | Tucson, AZ | University of Arizona |
| 1995-1996 | Ohio University | Iowa State University | Athens, OH | Ohio University |
| 1996-1997 | Ohio University | Iowa State University | Ann Arbor, MI | Eastern Michigan University |
| 1997-1998 | Penn State University | Ohio University | Ames, IA | Iowa State University |
| 1998-1999 | Vacated | Penn State University | Newark, DE | University of Delaware |
| 1999-2000 | Penn State University | Eastern Michigan University | Minot, ND | Minot State University |
| 2000-2001 | Penn State University | University of Delaware | Tucson, AZ | University of Arizona |
| 2001-2002 | Penn State University | University of Illinois | Laurel, MD | Towson University |
| 2002-2003 | Penn State University | Ohio University | Athens, OH | Ohio University |
| 2003-2004 | Ohio University | Penn State University | Ames, IA | Iowa State University |
| 2004-2005 | University of Illinois | Penn State University | Bensenville, IL | Robert Morris College |
| 2005-2006 | University of Rhode Island | Penn State University | West Chester, PA | West Chester University |
| 2006-2007 | Oakland University | Penn State University | Youngstown, OH | Kent State University |
| 2007-2008 | University of Illinois | Lindenwood University | Rochester, NY | Monroe County Sports Commission |
| 2008-2009 | Lindenwood University | University of Illinois | Gates Mills, OH | John Carroll University |
[edit] Division 2
[edit] Division 3
[edit] Women's Champions
[edit] Division 1 Champions
[edit] Division 2 Champions
[edit] Notable players in professional leagues
| 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 |
| 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) | 2003-2008 |
| 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) | 2006-2007 |
| 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) | 2005-2006 |
| Ryan Webb | F | Oakland University (M1) | 2005-2006 | Flint Generals (UHL) Jacksonville Barracudas (SPHL) | 2005-Current |
| 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) | 2006-2008 |
| 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) | 2004-2008 |
| 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 College (M2) | 2003-2005 | Huddinge IK (Sweden), Indiana Ice Miners (MAHL), Reading Royals (ECHL) | 2006-2008 |
| Andy Gojdycz | D | Rutgers University (M1) | 1996-1999 | Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies (ECHL) | 2002-2003 |
| Jordan Janes | C | Saint Louis University (M2) | 2001-2004 | Missouri River Otters (UHL) | 2004-2005 |
| Mark Uvodich | F | Saint Louis University (M2) | 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), | 2007-2010 |
| 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 |
[edit] External links
