Aug. 1, 2002

College Hockey America Announces
Formation Of Women's Hockey League

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.– College Hockey America has announced the formation of a women's league effective for the 2002-03 season. Members include the University of Findlay (Ohio), Mercyhurst College (Pa.), Niagara University (New York) and Wayne State University (Mich.).

"In response to the continued growth of (NCAA) Division I women's collegiate hockey, the CHA accepts a leadership role in establishing a women's league," says R.H. "Bob" Peters, commissioner for the CHA. "The formation of the women's league offers the membership a scheduling alliance and an opportunity to compete for a championship."

The four CHA women's league members are part of a rapidly growing women's hockey contingency that has reached 29 NCAA Division I teams. There is a total of 69 NCAA women's hockey programs, up from 21 in 1996. The NCAA sponsored the first women's hockey championship in 2001.

Niagara University, which formerly competed in the ECAC East for women's hockey, tied for third place in last year's NCAA Women's Hockey Championship after tying the University of Minnesota, 2-2. The Purple Eagles, beginning their fifth season of women's hockey, posted a 26-8-2 overall record last year, highlighted by an NCAA Frozen Four appearance.

Findlay, Mercyhurst and Wayne State, which started women's hockey programs in 1999, were former members of the Great Lakes Women's Hockey Association. Mercyhurst, which reached a No. 6 national ranking last season, contended for an NCAA playoff berth after recording a 24-8-1 mark.

The College Hockey America women's league members will participate in a conference tournament March 8-9 at City Ice Arena in Detroit, Mich., with Wayne State serving as host.

College Hockey America was established in 1999 with a men's Division I conference. Current members include the Air Force Academy, the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Bemidji State University (Minn.), the University of Findlay (Ohio), Niagara University (New York) and Wayne State University (Mich.).