University of Connecticut Athletics
Program Will Join Atlantic Hockey
7/1/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
STORRS, CT (July 1) – The University of Connecticut men’s hockey program will become part of the new formation of Atlantic Hockey, announced Monday afternoon. The newly formed Atlantic Hockey will be one the six Division I men’s hockey leagues in the nation, as the nine former schools from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will participate. Connecticut, along with American International, Bentley, Canisius, Mercyhurst, Holy Cross, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart and Army will begin playing in Atlantic Hockey immediately, starting with the 2003-04 season.
In addition to the creation of the new alignment, former Merrimack College Athletic Director Robert M. DeGregorio, Jr., has been introduced as the first commissioner of Atlantic Hockey. DeGregorio spent 20 years overseeing the Warriors varsity programs and 24 total years at the North Andover, Mass. school.
DeGregorio is no stranger to guiding a major Division I hockey league, having served as Commissioner of Hockey East from 1993-1996. Currently, he serves as the league’s Treasurer.
He also spearheaded the elevation of the Merrimack men’s ice hockey program from the Division II to Division I level in the 1980's. The Warriors now compete in the prestigious Hockey East.
DeGregorio also brought the 15 Division II sports at Merrimack from Independent status to an affiliation with the Northeast-10 Conference.
He is also a member of the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Committee and is the Chair of the Northeast Region Advisory Committee.
"I think that this is a great opportunity," DeGregorio said. "I look forward to working with all of the Directors and coaches in the league. We hope to make this league one of the strongest in Division I ice hockey in the near future."
The MAAC Hockey League opened play with the 1998-1999 season and has sent its tournament winner to the NCAA tournament in each of the past three seasons.
Atlantic Hockey will maintain the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.