Fairfield, Conn. — Sacred Heart University Club Sports has officially announced that its men's hockey program will compete at the highest level of club collegiate hockey, joining the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Men's Division I beginning in the 2026–2027 season.
The ACHA confirmed the program's elevation as part of its continued growth and commitment to expanding top-tier collegiate club hockey across the country. Sacred Heart currently fields competitive teams at both the Men's Division II and Men's Division III levels, in addition to a Women's Division II team, demonstrating a strong foundation and commitment to the sport.
As part of the transition to Division I, Sacred Heart will become a member of the Northeast Collegiate Hockey League (NECHL). The conference includes established programs such as Canisius University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, The College of New Jersey, and the University at Buffalo, offering a highly competitive environment for the Pioneers as they step onto the national stage.
"The current college hockey landscape is dynamic and continues to evolve," said Craig Barnett, ACHA Executive Director. "The addition of Sacred Heart University to Men's Division I, and specifically to the NECHL, is sensational. We look forward to seeing what the program brings to the top men's division in the ACHA."
The Sacred Heart Men's Division I team will be led by head coach Robert Pauls, who will guide the program through this exciting new chapter. With a history of steady growth and success at multiple levels, the move to Division I represents a significant milestone for the university's club hockey program.
With this addition, the ACHA Men's Division I division will feature a total of 83 teams across 27 states during the 2026–2027 season, highlighting the continued expansion and popularity of collegiate club hockey nationwide.
Sacred Heart's promotion signals not only a new level of competition but also an opportunity to further establish itself as a rising force in collegiate club hockey.
