College Hockey

The American Hockey Center College Hockey Guide is provided as a free service to the hockey community as a tool to research information about college hockey in the United States. The guide will provide basic details of college hockey programs at all levels for both men and women. It is searchable by Gender, School, Level, League, and State. Links to college teams Web sites are included for more details and contact information.  College Hockey Guide

Research College Hockey (Click here to go directly to the "College Hockey Guide)
For young players who desire to attend a college where they will be provided with an opportunity to play competitive hockey while acquiring an education, the College Hockey Guide is an excellent tool. College Hockey Guide
Some things to research . . .
  • What are the college academic offerings - does this fit your needs?
  • What are the academic requirements for admission - can you qualify?
  • What is the tuition cost - does this fit your budget?
  • What is the former playing level of the current players - does this match your playing experience?
  • Does the college have an on campus college hockey arena?
  • How is the fan support (attendance at games)?
  • Is transportation provided to away games? College Hockey Guide
In general, there is no guarantee of inclusion on a college hockey team unless the player has been awarded a hockey scholarship by a NCAA Division I college, so it is important that players attend a college that matches their previous level of success in hockey. College hockey teams are classified by level of play and players should determine what level is the best fit for them. Below are a few guidelines to help with this process.
NCAA College Hockey (two levels of hockey are played by NCAA college teams)
  NCAA Division I is the highest level of college hockey. Players at this level have usually been identified at an early age and many are given athletic scholarships. Many of these players have played at a very high level of Prep School Hockey or Junior A Hockey for one or more years to further develop their skills and strength. If a player has not been recruited by a Division I college, it is not likely that this level will be a good fit.
  NCAA Division III is a very high level of play, but does not offer athletic scholarships. These colleges recruit heavily and players at this level have usually been recruited by the college. Many of the players have played a high level of Junior, Midget AAA or Prep School hockey before entering college.
ACHA College Hockey (three levels of hockey are played by ACHA college teams)
  ACHA Division I is a high level of play and many are equal to some of the NCAA Division III teams. These teams often have on campus college hockey arenas and enjoy large fan attendance. These teams recruit heavily and many of the players have played a high level of Junior, Midget AAA or Prep School hockey before entering college.
  ACHA Division II is a good fit for many players who have been standouts on average level high school or midget hockey teams. Many of these programs are well organized and managed and can offer a good experience for players who do not qualify for the higher levels.
  ACHA Division III is generally a step down in playing level, but many of these programs are well organized and managed and can offer a good experience for players who do not qualify for the higher levels.

Research College Hockey  (Click here to go to the "College Hockey Guide)