Atlantic Hockey America Opted Against Expansion

The collegiate conference has decided to remain at nine teams while adjusting its schedule.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Hockey

Expressive editorial sports illustration of hockey players in motion on an ice rink, capturing the intensity of collegiate play. — Atlantic Hockey America has confirmed it will not add new member teams to its league roster, maintaining its current size while reducing its conference schedule. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Atlantic Hockey America has confirmed it will not add new member teams to its league roster. The conference also reduced its league schedule from 26 games to 24 to accommodate the current structure.

Why it matters

Conference leadership determined that expanding membership would complicate the path for teams to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. The decision reinforces a strategy to maintain the current size following program closures at American International and Mercyhurst.

Atlantic Hockey now features nine member institutions, down from 11 previously. The league has decreased its schedule to 24 games per team, compared to the 26 games played in prior seasons.

The players

Atlantic Hockey America

This is a collegiate athletic conference that competes at the NCAA Division I level in men's ice hockey.

United Collegiate Hockey Conference

This is a non-NCAA organization that provides competitive opportunities for independent hockey programs.

Maryville University

This institution is currently participating in a Division I hockey transition year while not being a full Division I member.

Long Island University

This is a university with a large student population that sought to gain entry into the Atlantic Hockey conference.

The details

Five independent hockey programs continue to operate through the United Collegiate Hockey Conference, a non-NCAA arrangement. Meanwhile, Maryville is currently playing a Division I transition year but remains outside of the Atlantic Hockey membership.

American International and Mercyhurst dropped men's hockey programs over the last two years.
Long Island coaches reached out to Atlantic Hockey last spring.
Maryville is playing a Division I transition year during the current season.
The new league schedule applies to seasons through 2028.
The United Collegiate Hockey Conference tournament is scheduled for March.

Season Trajectory

The conference's refusal to add teams prioritizes individual school competitiveness within the NCAA Tournament qualifying criteria. This maintains the current power balance and keeps the league focused on its core nine members rather than diluting strength through expansion.

The reduction to 24 games alters the strength-of-schedule metrics for all member teams, affecting their RPI and overall rankings. Independent programs like those in the UCHC will continue to operate separately, impacting the recruiting landscape for non-affiliated schools.

The takeaway

Maintaining a smaller, nine-team footprint allows the conference to optimize its internal schedule and protect postseason prospects. Teams looking to join the Division I ranks must now navigate a landscape where established conferences are increasingly protective of their current membership.