The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), recently announced Purdue University Northwest has been approved for the ACHA Division 1 level starting in the 2022-23 season. The current PNW Division 2 program will transition to Division 1, while the Pride will continue to field a Division 3 team.
"On behalf of the Pride of PNW, we are excited to compete at the highest level of ACHA." said Rick Costello, PNW Director of Athletics. "We look forward to creating outstanding rivalries with the Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League institutions."
PNW will join the Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League (GLCHL) which includes Adrian College, Calvin University, Davenport University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Oakland University and Western Michigan University. The GLCHL has featured two national champions over the previous decade.
The Pride are among four teams to be approved for D1 competition, including The College of New Jersey, University of Oregon and San Diego State University. With the addition of the four new members, there will be a total of 72 teams playing ACHA Men's Division I in 24 states during the 2022-23 season.
"We're thrilled to accept these four institutions into Men's Division I to start next season," said Craig Barnett, ACHA Executive Director. "We're really excited to bring in two programs in Purdue University Northwest and The College of New Jersey to solidify our Men's Division I footprint in the Northeast and Midwest. We're also continuing our mission to grow the game of hockey across America, but especially in the West, by admitting two great schools in San Diego State University and University of Oregon to the ranks of Men's Division I."
PNW's Division 2 program, in just its third season, has already achieved a program-record nine wins on the ice this fall. The Pride have logged three victories over D1 opponents including Western Michigan and Northern Illinois (twice).
First-year head coach Nick Tomczyk is no stranger to building programs at the D1 level. He helped start the ACHA D1 hockey program at Rochester College, where he was head coach for three years, and he also served as associate head coach for the ACHA D1 team at Oakland University. Tomczyk's most recent stint before PNW was with the current reigning NCAA Division I national runner-up, St. Cloud State.
"I would like to thank Chancellor Keon and Director of Athletics Rick Costello for their outstanding support and vision to transition the ice hockey program to ACHA Division I," Tomczyk said. "I would also like to thank Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League Commissioner Brian Moran, and the league members for showing support as we officially transition into the league. Having their support through this process was essential, and for that we are grateful.
Second, this is a big step for our program and we are looking forward to the opportunity to grow as we compete at a higher level. It's an honor and a privilege to be with this team at this time in its history, and we are unified in our excitement for what we will continue to build this season."
PNW hockey teams play home games at the brand-new $7.5 million Kube Sports Complex located in Hammond, Ind. near campus.
All PNW home ice hockey games are streamed live on JEDtv.com. For all schedules, rosters, and live-streaming for PNW hockey, please visit PNWathletics.com.
