Ncaa Women's Hockey Division 3
If you're a fan of women's hockey, you're probably familiar with the NCAA Women's Hockey Division 1 and Division 2. But did you know that there's also a Division 3? That's right: the NCAA has been sponsoring Division 3 women's hockey since 2002, and the competition is just as fierce as in the other two divisions. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the NCAA Women's Hockey Division 3, including the history of the league, the teams and conferences that compete in it, and what you can expect if you attend a Division 3 game.
The History of NCAA Women's Hockey Division 3
The NCAA Women's Hockey Division 3 was established in 2002, making it the youngest of the three divisions. Prior to its creation, Division 2 and Division 3 teams competed together in what was known as the American Women's College Hockey Alliance. However, as interest in women's hockey grew, it became clear that a separate Division 3 was necessary to accommodate the increasing number of teams.
Since its inception, the NCAA Women's Hockey Division 3 has steadily grown in popularity. Today, there are over 60 teams from across the United States competing in the league. While the Division 3 teams may not receive as much media attention as their Division 1 counterparts, they are just as dedicated and competitive.
The Teams and Conferences of NCAA Women's Hockey Division 3
As mentioned, there are over 60 teams that compete in the NCAA Women's Hockey Division 3. These teams are spread out across the country, with schools from Maine to Wisconsin and everywhere in between. Some of the most notable teams in the league include Amherst College, Middlebury College, and Plattsburgh State University.
Like in Division 1 and Division 2, the teams of NCAA Women's Hockey Division 3 are organized into conferences. There are currently four conferences in Division 3: the Colonial Hockey Conference (CHC), the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC), the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA), and the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC). Each conference consists of between 6 and 10 teams, and all teams must play a certain number of games against conference opponents in order to qualify for the NCAA tournament.
What to Expect at a Division 3 Game
Attending a Division 3 game is a great way to experience the thrill of college hockey without breaking the bank. Tickets to Division 3 games are generally much cheaper than Division 1 games, and often there is no admission fee at all. Additionally, Division 3 games are typically held in smaller, more intimate venues, which means you'll be closer to the action than you would be at a larger arena.
While the level of play in Division 3 may not be quite as high as in Division 1, you can still expect to see some talented athletes on the ice. Many Division 3 players are former high school stars who chose to attend smaller schools or who were not recruited by Division 1 programs. These players are just as passionate about the sport as their Division 1 counterparts, and they put in just as much work to excel on the ice.
Conclusion
The NCAA Women's Hockey Division 3 may not get as much attention as the other two divisions, but it's still an important part of college hockey. With over 60 teams from across the United States competing in the league, there's plenty of talent and excitement to be found. So if you're a fan of women's hockey, consider attending a Division 3 game and showing your support for these dedicated athletes.
