Club Hockey Goes D1

The club hockey team started in 2021 as a way for student athletes who didn’t make the SHU varsity men’s hockey team to still play at a collegiate level.

“This team was founded kind of on the spot, I was just an assistant coach and was offered this job,” said Head Coach Joseph Lane. “This team started at Division 3 and had just four games scheduled in their first year but since then have climbed through the ranks.”

The men make up the first club hockey team at SHU to skate in the AAU Division 1 Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference. They will now face off against familiar neighbors, including Fairfield University and Quinnipiac University.

“Reputation and recognition is a big plus for SHU,” said Lane. “The level of competition will get tougher and be a lot harder, but it’s nothing the guys can’t handle.”

Senior and assistant captain AJ Gerace has been on the team for the past four years.

“I think the move up to D1 is something our team is ready for and will thrive in,” said Gerace. “Every year our schedule gets more challenging as our team gets more skilled, especially this year. I think it has given us an extra boost of confidence that we needed and has shown in our first couple games back since break.”

Along with representing SHU at a higher division, the men will also wear the university’s crest at nationals in Jacksonville, Fla.

“Nationals is a big deal for our team and is an important opportunity for us to prove ourselves on a national level,” said Gerace.

After nationals and looking ahead to their 2025-2026 season, the Pioneers will face a full schedule of Division 1 competition.

“We’re excited. I’m hoping to take these guys to the next level. We’re here to compete and we’re ready,” said Lane.

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