Elmira College is pleased to announce the re-entry of its men’s and women’s ice hockey teams into the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) beginning with the 2025-26 season. This decision follows the teams’ participation in the New England Hockey Conference during the 2021-22 season.
The Elmira College men’s team has a noteworthy history in the UCHC, having attained the UCHC title in 2021. With a track record spanning 51 years, the program has secured 11 league titles and has participated in the NCAA Tournament 18 times. The women’s team has also achieved significant success, claiming four consecutive UCHC Championships from 2018-2021. Furthermore, they have made 18 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with their most recent appearance resulting in a position in the National Championship, where they unfortunately fell to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Rhonda Faunce, Director of Athletics at Elmira College, expressed the institution’s enthusiasm for the UCHC’s return, emphasizing the positive experiences the move will bring for the student-athletes and the fan base. Faunce highlighted the league’s familiarity and its more regional location as pivotal factors in providing an enriched experience for all stakeholders.
In conjunction with Elmira College, three other teams, namely Albertus Magnus, Hilbert, and St. John Fisher, will also be joining the UCHC. This decision underscores Elmira College’s dedication to its hockey programs and its commitment to providing optimal opportunities for its student-athletes.
For further details regarding this exciting development, please refer to the official announcement from Elmira College Athletics on their website.
Elmira College’s re-entry into the UCHC signifies a momentous occasion for the institution and its hockey programs. As they prepare to re-engage with the conference, there is no doubt that the Soaring Eagles will continue to uphold their tradition of excellence in collegiate ice hockey.