Albertus Magnus College Joins The United Collegiate Hockey Conference

New Haven, Conn., May 15, 2024 – Albertus Magnus College and the United Collegiate Hockey Conference announced today that the Falcons men’s and women’s Division III ice hockey programs are joining the league, effective with the 2025-26 season.

Albertus has competed at the NCAA Division III level in men’s ice hockey since 2019-2020. The 2023-24 season marked the inaugural campaign for the women’s ice hockey program.

Both teams play their home contests at the recently renovated Ralph Walker Skating Rink in New Haven. As part of a $3.1 million Connecticut CIF grant, a new locker room and team spaces will be constructed at the venue to support the Albertus women’s ice hockey team. Previously, a nearly $5 million project was completed when the men’s program was launched, including a new ice sheet, NHL style boards with seamless glass and a new chiller plant, new locker rooms, athletic training room and coaches’ offices.

"Albertus Magnus College and our ice hockey programs are excited to join the United Collegiate Hockey Conference," said Athletic Director Michael Kobylanski.  "Both of our programs have demonstrated an ability to thrive athletically, academically and as positive contributors to our campus and local communities over the last several years. We look forward to the continued maturation of both teams as we move into the UCHC."

"Albertus Magnus is a great addition to the UCHC," said UCHC Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. "While their programs are young, the women were competitive in their first season this winter and the men have had strong success the last three seasons. Similar to many UCHC institutions, the Albertus men and women have earned the highest grade-point averages in their athletic department. They will fit in perfectly."

Since its inaugural season, Albertus’ men’s ice hockey team has emerged as a national-caliber program for its efforts on the ice, in the classroom, and within the community.  

In just four full seasons, the Albertus Magnus College men’s ice hockey program has flourished in all facets. After a four-win inaugural campaign, followed by a full season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Falcons staked their claim as a rising force in the NCAA Division III ranks over the last three years.

The Falcons have registered a total of 49 victories from 2021-24, which included the first-ever USCHO National Ranking during the recently completed 2023-24 season. Albertus has defeated three former NCAA Division III Championship programs – SUNY-Plattsburgh, Trinity and Neumann – over that same stretch. Along the way, Albertus Magnus also has won the W.B. Mason Winter Classic and the SNHU Stovepipe Tournament. As a result of the team’s efforts, head coach Kyle Wallack was selected as an American Hockey Coaches Association Division III National Coach of the Year finalist in each of the past three years.

Albertus Magnus men’s ice hockey student-athletes have thrived in the classroom. The average team GPA for the last three academic years is 3.77, and the squad posted an impressive 3.94 mark during the Fall, 2023 term. The Falcons also had the most individual AHCA Division II-III All-America Scholars in the nation during the 2022-23 academic year.

"We are thrilled to be joining an outstanding conference in the UCHC," said head men’s ice hockey coach Kyle Wallack. "Having competed against many UCHC programs since our inception, we have seen first-hand the high caliber of play within the league. We look forward to competing against our fellow UCHC members beginning in 2025-26."

The Albertus women’s ice hockey program finished its inaugural season in 2023-24 with a record of 7-13-4. Of note, the Falcons registered a 7-5-3 mark in their final 15 games of the season.

In addition, the team posted a 3.61 grade point average during the Fall, 2023 semester and has been involved with an array of outreach of activities on and off-campus, including Learn to Skate with New Haven Public School students.

"Our women’s ice hockey program is ecstatic at the opportunity to join the UCHC beginning in 2025-26," said head women’s ice hockey coach Steve Novodor. "We were fortunate to compete against seven UCHC members in our first season. As we continue to build our program, we are excited to do so in a great conference like the UCHC."