National Collegiate Hockey Association
 | |
| Sport | Ice hockey |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| President | Michael Smietana |
| No. of teams | 25 |
| Country |  United States |
| Most recent champion(s) | Saint John Fisher College (2014–15) |
| Official website | NCHA.us |
The National Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) is a national organization of men's college- and university-level ice hockey programs in the United States. The NCHA used to be known as the Collegiate Ice Hockey Association (CIHA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Hockey (NAIH). The association is primarily composed of American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division III teams from the Northeast.
History
The NAIH was formed in 2011 as an alternative to the ACHA for hockey teams that wanted a lower cost for membership and a high level of competition. However, many teams in the NCHA are also members of the ACHA.
In the spring of 2013, the NAIH changed its name to the CIHA and after the 2013-14 season changed its name to the NCHA.
In July 2014, the NCHA was sanctioned by the United Hockey Union, a branch of AAU[clarification needed].[1]
Teams
For the 2015–16 season, the NCHA has four conferences: North Eastern (New York), South Eastern (Pennsylvania/West Virginia), South Western (California) and the Independent Conference. The champion of each conference receives an automatic bid to Nationals.
North Eastern Conference
- East Division
- West Division
South Eastern Conference
- California University of Pennsylvania
- Community College of Allegheny County
- Penn State Altoona
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
- West Virginia University
South Western Conference
Independent Conference
Founders Cup Champions
The 2012–13 season was the first year the NAIH held a national tournament. The national championship trophy was dubbed the Founders Cup.
| Year | National Champion | Runner-Up | Result | Host/Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–13 | Western Washington | Le Moyne College | 2-1 [2] | Buffalo, New York |
| 2013–14 | Pittsburgh-Greensburg | UC San Diego | 2-0 [3] [4] | Newark, Ohio |
| 2014–15 | Saint John Fisher College | Pittsburgh-Greensburg | 8-5 | Newark, Ohio |
See also
References
- ^ "United Hockey Union Welcomes NCHA". United Hockey Union. 18 July 2014.
- ^ "WWU ice hockey team wins national championship in overtime". Western Today. 22 March 2013.
- ^ "Pitt-Greensburg Club Ice Hockey Team wins National Championship". University of Pittsburgh Greensburg. 7 April 2014.
- ^ "Pitt-Greensburg celebrates national ice hockey title". WTAE Pittsburgh. 7 April 2014.