Grand Valley State University Hockey D3
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public liberal arts university located in Allendale, Michigan. The university boasts many thriving programs, including the GVSU hockey program. GVSU hockey is a Division 3 (D3) program that has seen great success over the years. This article will take a closer look at the GVSU hockey D3 program and explore some of the reasons why it has become so successful.
The History of GVSU Hockey D3
The GVSU hockey program dates back to 1969 when it was founded as a club team. For many years, the team played in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), which is a governing body for college club hockey. In 2004, GVSU decided to expand the hockey program and join the newly formed Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference (MCHC). The MCHC is a part of the ACHA and features other Michigan-based schools such as Michigan State University and the University of Michigan-Flint.
When GVSU joined the MCHC, they were still a club team, but they were making strides towards becoming a D3 program. Finally, in 2016, the program was officially granted D3 status by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This was a major milestone for the GVSU hockey program, and it opened up many new opportunities for the team.
The Success of GVSU Hockey D3
Since becoming a D3 program, the GVSU hockey team has seen a great deal of success. In fact, the team has won four MCHC championships in the past five years. Additionally, the team has made it to the ACHA National Tournament several times, including a trip to the final game in 2018.
One of the keys to the success of the GVSU hockey program is the coaching staff. The current head coach, Mike Forbes, has been with the program for over 20 years, and he has built a strong culture of hard work and dedication. Forbes is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to get the most out of his players.
Another factor in the success of the GVSU hockey program is the commitment of the players. The players on the GVSU hockey team are all student-athletes, and they take their academics just as seriously as their hockey. The team has consistently had a grade point average above 3.0, which is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the players.
The Future of GVSU Hockey D3
The future of the GVSU hockey program is bright. The team has a strong foundation of success, and they continue to build on that success every year. The program is always looking for ways to improve, whether it's recruiting new players or upgrading facilities.
One of the goals of the GVSU hockey program is to eventually move up to D2 or D1 status. This would be a major milestone for the program, but it would also require a great deal of work and dedication. However, with the strong culture and commitment to success that the program has, it's definitely a possibility in the future.
Conclusion
The GVSU hockey program is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. The team has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a club team, and it's now one of the most successful D3 hockey programs in the country. With a strong coaching staff, dedicated players, and a commitment to excellence, the future of the program is sure to be bright.
