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SEPTEMBER 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 33 The season-opening invite continues an eventful stretch for the ACHA, which grew to about 600 programs in 49 states after absorbing 97 programs from Amateur A t h l e t i c U n i o n ( A A U ) H o c k e y l a s t summer. The ACHA now includes about 135 women's teams, up from less than 100 two years ago. M a n y o f t h e l a r g e r A A U p r o g r a m s featured two to three teams, but just the top-tier team was deemed eligible for ACHA Division 3. To avoid losing players, the ACHA created the American Collegiate Development Conference to help programs adjust to a full, competitive schedule while building a stable foundation rooted in budgeting, recruiting and player development. In most programs, the players pay to play, often holding fundraisers or receiving money from the college's recreation or student life departments. Division 1 teams typically have paid coaches and staff. Many games are available to watch via streaming. Finding skilled players has not been an issue as interest in non-scholarship collegiate hockey continues to grow in the United States. ACHA commissioner Craig Barnett said his organization is working to reach even more women ages 16-20. The organization holds showcases in the spring and summer to spread the word. He said club hockey can be a good fit for young men and women desiring a large-school experience that most non-scholarship NCAA Division 3 programs cannot provide. " W i t h e v e r y t h i n g g o i n g o n w i t h the NCAA, there are opportunities for us to grow the women's game," Barnett said, adding that mid-sized colleges and universities are interested in club hockey to boost student enrollment. Barnett hopes the Fall Faceoff will be the first of many at the historic venue, providing a memorable experience for the teams. Interest was high with a waitlist already in hand if the invitational returns next fall. T h e U t a h c o a c h e s h o p e t h e s t r o n g competition in Lake Placid gives their developing programs a season-opening jumpstart to raise their national profile. The women began club play in 2019 while the men reached Division 1 nationals for the first time two years ago after earlier success at the D2 level. "The players are excited to get out there a n d e x p e r i e n c e ( He r b B r o o k s A r e n a ) firsthand," Ronnie Stedt, Utah's women's hockey head coach, said. "If we are going to start building our culture, that is a great place to do it." P WATCH: 2026 Women's Division 1 National Championship Highlights TCQFsgA-XhY The University of Utah launched its ACHA women's hockey program in 2019.