Acha Division 2 Women's Hockey
When it comes to women's hockey, many people immediately think of the Olympics or professional leagues like the NWHL or CWHL. However, there is another level of women's hockey that often goes unnoticed - the ACHA Division 2 level.
What is ACHA Division 2 Women's Hockey?
The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) is the governing body for non-varsity collegiate ice hockey in the United States. ACHA Division 2 is one of three levels of play within the organization, and it includes schools that often have smaller enrollments or less funding for athletic programs.
Within ACHA Division 2, there are both men's and women's programs. While the men's side tends to receive more attention, the women's side has been steadily growing over the past few years.
History of ACHA Division 2 Women's Hockey
The ACHA Women's Division 2 was officially formed in 2006 after a group of women's hockey coaches saw a need for more playing opportunities for their athletes. Originally, there were only six teams in the league, but it has since grown to over 40 teams spread throughout the United States.
One of the biggest benefits of playing at the ACHA Division 2 level is that it allows women who may not have been recruited to play at the NCAA Division 1 or 2 level to continue competing at a high level while also pursuing their education. Additionally, it provides opportunities for women to play in a more competitive environment than they may have experienced in high school or recreational leagues.
How the ACHA Division 2 Women's Hockey Season Works
The ACHA Division 2 women's hockey season typically runs from September to March. During this time, teams will play a combination of league games and non-conference games against other ACHA programs or NCAA Division 3 teams.
Each team's schedule is unique, but most will play around 20-30 games throughout the season. The top teams in each conference will qualify for the national tournament, which takes place in March and determines the ACHA Division 2 women's hockey national champion.
The Impact of ACHA Division 2 Women's Hockey
The impact of ACHA Division 2 women's hockey goes beyond just providing playing opportunities for college athletes. It also helps to grow and develop the sport in areas where it may not have been previously accessible.
Many of the schools that participate in ACHA Division 2 women's hockey are located in areas without strong youth hockey programs or women's amateur leagues. By providing a more competitive level of play at the college level, it encourages younger girls to get involved in the sport and pursue it through high school and beyond.
The Future of ACHA Division 2 Women's Hockey
As women's hockey continues to grow and evolve, it's likely that the ACHA Division 2 level will continue to be an important part of the landscape. With more and more schools adding women's programs at this level, there are more opportunities than ever before for women to continue playing hockey while also furthering their education.
If you're a fan of women's hockey, be sure to keep an eye on the ACHA Division 2 level. You never know where the next Olympian or professional player may come from.