University Of St Thomas Men's Hockey
The University of St Thomas Men’s Hockey team is a Division III NCAA program that has been consistently competitive since the inception of the program. The Tommies have been a force to reckon with in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) over the years, having won nine conference championships and seven NCAA Division III Championships to their name.
History of UST Men’s Hockey Program
The University of St Thomas Men’s Hockey program was established in 1938 and had to wait for 28 years before the first MIAC championship was secured in 1966. Since then, the Tommies have been a consistent contender for the conference championship, winning it nine times in total. The program has also had immense success on the national level, having won the NCAA Championship seven times.
Under the guidance of Coach Jeff Boeser, the Tommies have achieved remarkable success in recent years, winning the NCAA Championship in 2018 and finishing as runners-up in 2019. Boeser has been with the program since 1994 and has built a culture of excellence that has resulted in the sustained success of the program.
Facilities
The University of St Thomas Men’s Hockey team plays its home games at the St Thomas Ice Arena, a state-of-the-art facility that seats up to 1,500 spectators. The arena was opened in 2010 and has been a major boost to the program, providing a modern and comfortable facility for the players and fans alike.
The arena boasts of a full-size ice rink, locker rooms, training facilities, and offices for the coaching staff. The construction of the arena was made possible by the generous donations of alumni and supporters of the program, who recognized the need for a modern facility that would help the Tommies continue their success on the ice.
Conference and Rivals
The Tommies play in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), a Division III conference comprising of seven institutions from Minnesota. The conference is known for its strong athletic programs and has a rich tradition of producing top-quality athletes.
The Tommies have developed rivalries with several schools in the MIAC, including Gustavus Adolphus College and Hamline University. The games between these schools are highly competitive and attract large crowds, creating a festive atmosphere that adds to the excitement of the games.
Recruiting and Scholarships
The University of St Thomas Men’s Hockey team recruits players from all over the United States and Canada, attracting some of the most talented players at the Division III level. The program emphasizes the importance of academics and seeks players who are committed to both their studies and the game of hockey.
The university provides merit-based scholarships for students who excel academically, but the NCAA Division III rules prohibit athletic scholarships. This means that the players on the team are not receiving scholarships for their athletic abilities but are playing for the love of the game and the chance to represent their school on the ice.
Conclusion
The University of St Thomas Men’s Hockey program is a true representation of what it means to be a successful student-athlete. The program prioritizes the academic and personal development of its players while achieving remarkable success on the ice. The Tommies have won countless conference and national championships and have established themselves as one of the premier Division III hockey programs in the country.
With a state-of-the-art facility, talented coaching staff, and a commitment to excellence, the University of St Thomas Men’s Hockey program is poised for continued success in the years to come.
