Lake Region State College announces the start of Men’s and Women’s Hockey with play to begin Fall 2023.
Adding athletic programs has been considered since the successful start of softball and baseball in 2013-2014.
“This marks an exciting new chapter at Lake Region State College. Devils Lake has a rich hockey tradition, and we are thrilled to be a part of the next chapter. Hockey continues to be a strong competitive sport in ND and in our region,” said Athletic Director Jared Marshall.
Both programs will compete in the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) Division II. The ACHA men’s side is comprised of 190 schools in four regions. On the ACHA women’s side, 58 teams make up three regions.
“With so many teams competing in our region, we will have ample opportunity to find regional competition on the ice,” Marshall said.
The addition of hockey is made possible in partnership with the Devils Lake Park Board. The conversation was positive from the start regarding their willingness to coordinate ice time for practice and games.
“A lot of effort went into researching this option for Lake Region State College and this announcement wouldn’t be possible without the support of the park board. I look forward to men’s & women’s hockey becoming an integral part of the LRSC Campus and the Devils Lake Community,” Marshall said.
LRSC will not be able to participate in post-season play for the first two seasons.
With the addition of men’s & women’s hockey, Lake Region State College now offers five NJCAA sports & four club sports.
The search for coaches to recruit players for the college’s first season will begin immediately.
Established in 1941, Lake Region State College is a comprehensive community college within the North Dakota University System. Lake Region State College offers the first two years of a bachelor’s degree (transfer) and numerous career and technical education programs that lead to fast entry into the workforce.