Lake Region State will add ACHA club hockey teams
Dec. 23—DEVILS LAKE — Lake Region State will add men's and women's hockey programs to compete at the club level beginning next fall.
The school announced Thursday it will launch ACHA Division-II programs, joining several other colleges in the area.
"This marks an exciting new chapter at Lake Region State College," athletic director Jared Marshall said. "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 North Dakota and in our region."
Lake Region State joins others that have recently added hockey at the club level.
Jamestown College added club teams in 2016. The University of Minnesota-Crookston, coached by former UND star Steve Johnson, added men's hockey in 2020 and is currently ranked No. 5 in the Central Region.
Minot State, Williston State, Dakota College at Bottineau, UMary, NDSU and UND are other North Dakota schools with ACHA club teams.
"With so many teams competing in our region, we will have ample opportunity to find regional competition on the ice," Marshall said.
Marshall said the Devils Lake Park Board agreed to help coordinate ice time for practices 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," Marshall said. "I look forward to men's and women's hockey becoming an integral part of the LRSC campus and the Devils Lake community."
Lake Region State said it will immediately begin its search for coaches to recruit players for the inaugural season in 2023-24.
The Royals will not be eligible for postseason play until 2025-26.
