The UCHC announced Thursday that Arcadia has been approved to add their newly-created NCAA men’s and women’s hockey programs for the 2021-22 season.
“Arcadia University impressed us with their comprehensive planning and resource allocation,” UCHC commissioner Chuck Mitrano said in a statement. “They are in a position for success and we are excited to welcome to the Knights to the UCHC family.”
The men’s team will become the 11th member of the UCHC, and the women’s squad will become the 12th in the conference.
Arcadia, located Glenside, Pa., is the fifth Pennsylvania-based institution to announce a new men’s or women’s program in the UCHC in the last four years. There are now seven UCHC member schools based in Pennsylvania.
“We are very excited to be accepted as a member of the UCHC,” Arcadia executive director of athletics Brian Granata said. “The UCHC is a premier ice hockey conference and will provide high-quality competition against reputable institutions for programs. We are pleased to be able to join a conference that provides access to an NCAA automatic qualification bid for our student-athletes. We look forward to our inaugural season in 2021-22.”
The university previously announced that it has agreed to terms with Hatfield Ice Arena, located in Colmar, Pa., to host the programs, along with investing in substantial improvements. The facility contains three sheets of ice, including the Gray Rink, where Arcadia plans to play. The university and the facility are sharing in the cost of a renovation project that includes two locker rooms, bathrooms, showers, laundry room, coaching offices and players’ lounges, along with storage and athletic training space.
Head coaches for the two teams will be announced in the coming days.
