What Is ACHA Hockey?

If the term "club hockey" generates images of college players playing late-night hockey in mismatched uniforms under loosely applied rules, the American Collegiate Hockey Association has no use for you or your misguided vision.

"Club is a four-letter word in our vocabulary," says Al Murdoch, the long-time coach at Iowa State University, a top program in the ACHA.

Navy coach Michael Fox had those misleading images of club hockey in his head before becoming involved with the Midshipmen program eight years ago as an assistant coach. Today, he is in his second season as the head coach.

"To be honest that's how I looked at it," Fox said. "But when I became involved, I saw how serious it was and I saw some of these teams come through here and how serious they were, teams like URI and the University of Delaware. I thought this is pretty serious stuff."

Those involved with the ACHA call their sport many different things -- non-scholarship or non-varsity, to name two -- but never club hockey. No matter the naming semantics, there is no denying the ACHA produces quality hockey played by young men and women who love the sport.

Puck Drop 2011 - Annual Wine and Beer Tasting Fundraiser

The Alaska Nanooks Women’s Hockey Team would like to thank the businesses for their donations to the annual wine and beer tasting silent auction.  We appreciate your support! 

Coach for the Alaska Nanooks Women’s Hockey Team

The head coach for the 2011 – 2012 season is Scott Vockeroth.  Coach Vockeroth is a former player for the Alaska Nanooks men’s team and brings extensive coaching experience to the team; having coached numerous Alaska Icebreakers teams and the Arctic Bears high school team.

“Fairbanks has always been known as a hockey town” says Coach Vockeroth.  “Our town has produced nationally competitive girls’ hockey teams.  With the support of UAF, Alaska Girls’ & Women’s Hockey, and the community, I am eager to advance women’s hockey to the next level.  I am confident that the UAF has every potential of building a successful women’s hockey program.”