In a span of five years, over one hundred players, four head coaches, ninety plus games and a committed college hockey program-- have finally found the holy grail. Postseason!
Athletic Director Dave Gonyea and Head Hockey Coach Jordy Knoren were notified this week that CM has been moved from probationary status to full member status in the NECHA. This move allows the hockey club to participate in post season activities with the ability to move forward and play in the national ACHA tournament.
According to Gonyea, "We have strived for this opportunity since we started hockey five years ago. Our college has been totally on board financially supporting the program and our fans, both at the college and in the community, have been waiting for this moment. To say we are excited is an understatement! Our first call was to former coach Matt Buotte (moved to North Carolina a year ago) and got him out of bed to share the news. He was instrumental in building the squad and we wanted to ensure he heard the news from us!"
NECHA stands for the Northeast Collegiate Hockey Association. It is one of many regions of the nationally affiliated ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association). CM will play in the M3 Colonial North division with Dartmouth College, Colby Sawyer College, Thomas College, University of New England and Bates College. Each team plays each other twice in division and plays games outside of the division against other ACHA members. The top finishers will qualify for the NECHA tournament.
Head Coach Knoren adds, "Being involved since year one with the program, I know what it means to the school, and everybody involved. Many people worked hard to establish the program to where it is now. Knowing that CM hockey will be eligible for regional play is the icing on the cake! Playoff hockey is the best time of the year!"
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