Statement Regarding Atlantic Hockey Membership by Commissioner DeGregorio

August 24, 2004

The Atlantic Hockey Association was informed today that Quinnipiac University has accepted an invitation to join the ECAC Hockey League effective for the 2005-06 season. While we understand that the move was made in the best interest of the university, we shall miss the contributions it has made to Atlantic Hockey, and we wish Quinnipiac the best of luck when it becomes a member of the ECAC.

Quinnipiac was one of the driving forces for the formation of Atlantic Hockey, and the success of its ice hockey program elevated the stature of the eight other institutions in our league. Jack McDonald, Athletic Director at Quinnipiac, has done a great job for our organization as chair of the Executive Committee. His leadership and participation will be greatly missed.

The Atlantic Hockey Association arose when the nine former members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Hockey League (MAAC) joined together on June 30, 2003, to found a new Division-I men’s ice hockey conference. The league includes American International College, Bentley College, Canisius College, the University of Connecticut, the College of the Holy Cross, Mercyhurst College, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, and the United States Military Academy.