Arizona State University’s hockey program has been making headlines since it first started in 201With its quick rise to success and passionate fanbase, the question on everyone’s minds is, “What conference will Arizona State join in NCAA hockey?
Many have speculated about which conference would be the best fit for the Sun Devils, and rumors have been swirling around the hockey community. In this article, we will dive deep into the history of Arizona State’s hockey program and the NCAA conference alignments, examine the expert predictions and speculations, and provide you with the latest breaking news on this topic.
Buckle up, because the shocking truth about which conference Arizona State will join in NCAA hockey is just around the corner. Get ready to learn everything you need to know about the future of Sun Devils hockey.
Read on to find out more about the future of Arizona State hockey and the impact joining a new conference will have on the team. We guarantee that this article will leave you with a better understanding of the complexities involved in NCAA hockey and Arizona State’s place in it.
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Breaking News: Arizona State’s Official Announcement
After months of speculation, Arizona State University has finally made its official announcement regarding the future of its hockey program’s conference affiliation. In a press conference held earlier today, ASU’s Athletic Director Ray Anderson revealed that the Sun Devils will be joining the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) for the 2022-2023 season.
This decision comes after much consideration and discussion among ASU’s administration and the hockey coaching staff. Anderson stated that the CCHA’s alignment with ASU’s academic values and its focus on regional rivalries were key factors in the decision-making process.
What is the Central Collegiate Hockey Association?
The CCHA is a Division I men’s hockey conference that was established in 202It currently consists of seven member schools, including Bowling Green, Ferris State, Lake Superior State, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State-Mankato, Northern Michigan, and St. Thomas.
The conference was formed after the WCHA, which ASU was previously a part of, disbanded due to multiple teams leaving for other conferences. The CCHA aims to provide a competitive and stable conference for its member schools, with a focus on fostering regional rivalries and promoting the growth of college hockey in the Midwest.
What Does This Mean for ASU’s Hockey Program?
- ASU’s hockey program will have a new conference affiliation starting in the 2022-2023 season.
- The Sun Devils will be playing against a new set of opponents and will have the opportunity to develop new rivalries.
- The CCHA is a more stable conference than the WCHA, which ASU was previously a part of.
This is an exciting time for Sun Devil hockey fans, as ASU’s new conference affiliation is sure to bring new challenges and opportunities for the program. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the Sun Devils prepare for their first season in the CCHA.
The Rise of Arizona State Hockey
Arizona State University’s ice hockey team has been on a meteoric rise in recent years, going from a club sport to NCAA Division I status in just a few short years. The team has quickly gained a reputation for excellence, with its players and coaches working tirelessly to build a program that can compete at the highest levels of college hockey.
The team’s success has been the result of a combination of factors, including a dedicated coaching staff, talented players, and a commitment from the university to invest in the program. As a result, the team has been able to attract top-level talent, both on the ice and behind the scenes, and has been able to compete with some of the best programs in the country.
The Coaching Staff
- Greg Powers: The head coach of the ASU hockey program since its inception in 2015, Powers has been instrumental in building the team into a national contender. With a focus on player development and team culture, Powers has been able to recruit and develop top-level talent at ASU.
- Mike Field: The team’s associate head coach, Field brings a wealth of experience to the ASU program. A former assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts, Field has been instrumental in developing the team’s defensive strategy and has helped to build a strong team culture at ASU.
The Players
ASU’s success on the ice has been largely due to the talent and dedication of its players. The team has attracted top-level talent from across the country, including players who have gone on to play professionally in the NHL and other leagues around the world. Among the team’s standout players are:
- Johnny Walker: A forward from Phoenix, Walker has been one of the team’s most dynamic players since joining the program in 2018. He has already scored more than 50 goals in his ASU career and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the top player in college hockey.
- Joey Daccord: A goaltender from North Andover, Massachusetts, Daccord was a standout player for the ASU program from 2017 to 2019. He was drafted by the Ottawa Senators of the NHL and is currently playing in their organization.
The Commitment from ASU
Perhaps the most important factor in the rise of the ASU hockey program has been the university’s commitment to investing in the team. The university has provided funding for a new on-campus arena, as well as other resources that have helped the program to attract top-level talent and compete with some of the best programs in the country.
As the ASU hockey program continues to build its reputation as a national powerhouse, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this talented team. With a committed coaching staff, talented players, and a university that is invested in its success, the sky is truly the limit for Arizona State hockey.
History of Arizona State Hockey and NCAA Conference Alignments
Arizona State University (ASU) is no stranger to athletics. With a legacy spanning over a century, the university has been a prominent participant in several sports disciplines. However, hockey was not one of them until recently. The idea of starting an ice hockey program emerged in the early 2010s, thanks to a group of passionate students who believed that their university was missing out on an opportunity to participate in one of the most beloved winter sports in America.
After years of relentless effort, fundraising, and lobbying, the university finally announced the establishment of the ASU hockey program in 201The team started as a non-conference program in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). In 2016, the team moved up to the NCAA Division I level and became the first NCAA D1 team in the Sun Belt region.
Early Years and Independent Conference Status
ASU’s hockey team played its first NCAA Division I game in 2016 and quickly became a sensation. The team enjoyed a respectable debut season, finishing with a 10-19-3 record. The team’s success continued in the 2017-2018 season, where they improved to a 20-12-1 record.
However, the ASU hockey program was not officially affiliated with any conference at the time, which limited its scheduling options and created logistical issues. In the 2018-2019 season, the team joined the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) as an independent member, which allowed them to schedule games with other conference teams and participate in postseason play.
Move to the Big Ten Conference
The ASU hockey program continued to thrive, earning a reputation as one of the fastest-growing and most successful programs in the country. In 2019, the team announced that it would be joining the Big Ten Conference as a hockey-only member, starting with the 2020-2021 season.
- The move was seen as a significant milestone for the ASU hockey program, as the Big Ten Conference is one of the most prominent and competitive hockey conferences in the country.
- The ASU hockey team’s inclusion in the Big Ten Conference has put the university on the map as a serious player in the NCAA hockey scene, attracting talented recruits and boosting the team’s national visibility.
The Future of ASU Hockey
The ASU hockey program’s growth and success have been nothing short of remarkable, and there is no indication that this trend will slow down anytime soon. The team is poised to continue its upward trajectory, thanks to strong leadership, a talented roster, and a supportive fan base.
As the team continues to compete and grow, the ASU hockey program’s future looks bright, with endless possibilities for success and achievement. With a legacy of athletic excellence and a passionate community of fans, the ASU hockey team is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in NCAA hockey for years to come.
Speculations and Predictions from Hockey Experts
With Arizona State’s rise to the NCAA Division I level, many hockey experts are speculating about the future of the program. Some experts believe that Arizona State could become a powerhouse in the near future. ESPN’s John Buccigross, for example, has praised the program’s rapid development and suggested that they have the potential to become a top-10 program in the country within the next few years.
Other experts are more cautious in their predictions. They point out that Arizona State is still a young program and that success at the NCAA level takes time. Some experts have also noted that Arizona State’s lack of a conference affiliation could make it difficult for them to consistently compete at the highest level. Sports Illustrated’s Brian Cazeneuve, for instance, has noted that “it remains to be seen whether Arizona State can sustain success against the top programs in the country without a conference affiliation.”
Conference Alignments
One of the biggest question marks surrounding Arizona State hockey is its conference affiliation. Since the program’s inception, it has played as an independent team, without a conference to call home. This lack of a conference affiliation has led to many challenges for the program, including difficulty scheduling games and limited exposure to fans and scouts.
Despite these challenges, Arizona State has recently announced that it will be joining the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) starting in the 2021-2022 season. This move is seen as a major step forward for the program, as it will give them a stable conference home and increase their exposure to fans and scouts. The CCHA is also considered to be a strong hockey conference, which will provide Arizona State with a higher level of competition.
Potential for Success
Despite the challenges facing the program, many experts believe that Arizona State has the potential to become a successful NCAA hockey program in the coming years. The program has shown rapid improvement since its inception and has attracted top-tier talent to its roster. In addition, the program’s recent move to join the CCHA is seen as a major step forward that could provide the program with the stability and exposure it needs to compete at the highest level.
However, it remains to be seen whether Arizona State can sustain this success over the long term. The program is still young, and success at the NCAA level takes time and consistency. Nonetheless, many experts are optimistic about the future of Arizona State hockey, and the program’s rise to the NCAA Division I level has already been a remarkable achievement in its own right.
The Impact of Arizona State Joining a New Conference
Arizona State University’s hockey team has made a name for themselves as one of the fastest-growing programs in college hockey history. Their addition to a new conference has been the topic of much speculation and discussion among hockey experts. While some see it as a positive move for the team, others have expressed concerns about the impact it could have on the program.
One of the biggest impacts of the move to a new conference is the level of competition that the team will face. The WCHA is known for its strong teams, and Arizona State will need to be at their best to compete with these top-level programs. The move will also give the team more exposure to scouts and recruiters, which could help attract top talent to the program in the future.
Increased Exposure
- Joining a new conference means that Arizona State’s hockey team will be playing against more well-known programs, which will increase their exposure to fans and scouts alike. This could lead to more media coverage, more attention from potential recruits, and ultimately, more success on the ice.
- The move also gives the team a chance to expand their fan base and gain new supporters. Playing against more established teams means that they will be exposed to a wider audience, which could help grow the program’s popularity and support.
Challenges and Opportunities
The move to a new conference also presents several challenges for the team. One of the biggest concerns is the travel schedule, which will be more demanding than ever before. The team will need to adjust to playing in different time zones and dealing with the rigors of frequent travel.
- On the other hand, the move also presents opportunities for the team to grow and develop. Playing against stronger teams will help the players improve and develop their skills, which will ultimately benefit the program in the long run.
- The new conference could also help the team secure more funding and resources, which could be used to further improve the program and provide better support for the players.
The Future of Arizona State Hockey
Only time will tell what the future holds for Arizona State’s hockey program. However, the move to a new conference presents both challenges and opportunities for the team. If they can rise to the occasion and compete with some of the top programs in the country, the sky’s the limit for the future success of Sun Devil Hockey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conference is Arizona State joining in NCAA Hockey?
Arizona State University will join the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) conference, beginning in the 2021-2022 season. The CCHA is a newly-formed conference that was created after the former Central Collegiate Hockey Association disbanded in 201The CCHA is made up of seven teams, including Arizona State, Bemidji State, Ferris State, Lake Superior State, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State, and Northern Michigan.
Why did Arizona State join the CCHA?
Arizona State joined the CCHA to give its hockey program a more stable and structured environment. Prior to joining the CCHA, Arizona State played as an independent team. Joining the CCHA allows Arizona State to have a more consistent schedule and compete against other teams in a conference setting.
How will Arizona State’s move to the CCHA affect the program?
Arizona State’s move to the CCHA is expected to have a positive impact on the program. Joining a conference will give the team a more stable and consistent schedule, and it will also provide more opportunities for the team to compete in postseason play. The CCHA also has a strong reputation for developing players and preparing them for professional careers.
Will Arizona State’s move to the CCHA affect the team’s non-conference schedule?
Arizona State’s move to the CCHA will not affect the team’s non-conference schedule. The team will still play a number of non-conference games against teams from other conferences. These games will provide Arizona State with opportunities to compete against top-level competition and prepare for postseason play.
What does Arizona State’s move to the CCHA mean for the conference?
Arizona State’s move to the CCHA is a significant development for the conference. It brings a high-profile program to the conference and provides the CCHA with greater exposure and credibility. Arizona State’s success on the ice and its commitment to growing the sport of hockey in the western United States make it an important addition to the CCHA.
What impact will Arizona State’s move to the CCHA have on college hockey as a whole?
Arizona State’s move to the CCHA is part of a larger trend of expansion and growth in college hockey. The addition of a high-profile program like Arizona State helps to raise the profile of the sport and attract new fans and players. It also helps to promote the growth of the sport in non-traditional hockey markets, like the western United States. Overall, Arizona State’s move to the CCHA is a positive development for college hockey.