Trine University Release

ANGOLA, Ind.— Trine University will launch a second men's ice hockey program to begin play in 2017, the University announced today.

The new men's ice hockey program has been accepted as a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II level. The Thunder will join the Great Midwest Hockey League and will begin play during the 2017-18 season. The ACHA team is the third hockey program added by Trine University. The University previously announced the addition of NCAA Division III men's and women's teams, set to begin competition in 2017.

Trine will be the eighth member of the GMHL, which is made up of schools in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. GMHL membership also consists of Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Indiana University, Miami (Ohio) University, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.

"The addition of a second men's hockey program allows more opportunities for student-athletes to continue to play hockey competitively while pursuing a degree at Trine University," said Matt land, assistant vice president of athletics at Trine University. "The opportunity to compete against some of the premier institutions in the Midwest is something our campus community and the Angola community should be excited about."

"We continue to be excited about the development of our intercollegiate hockey programs at Trine University. With three competitive teams set to play in the new Thunder Ice Arena, we know that hockey will soon become an integral part of our campus life," said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president. "The Great Midwest Hockey League will allow us to compete against some of the region's top universities, and we welcome that opportunity."

GMHL members compete in the Central Region of ACHA Division II. There are currently 42 members in the Region. Trine will be the second ACHA Division II member in the state of Indiana, joining Indiana University.

The ACHA began as a men's collegiate hockey organization in 1991. The ACHA now boasts five divisions (Men's Division I, II and II; Women's Division I and II). The ACHA boasts more than 400 members, with teams representing every state but Hawaii. Since 1999, all ACHA teams are members of USA Hockey and the American Hockey Coaches Association.

Construction will begin this summer on the $7.2 million, 1,000-seat Thunder Ice Arena, which will house the ACHA Division II men's team along with Trine's NCAA Division III men's and women's hockey programs. The arena, which will be located on U.S. 20, will include an NCAA-compliant ice rink, men's and women's locker rooms, concessions, a pro shop with wearables, sticks and skates for sale, a VIP lounge, banquet hall and two press boxes. It will also host area youth leagues and be open for community skating, and include an area for skate sharpening and rental.

The new arena and hockey teams are expected to bring additional students to Trine and provide an economic boost to the Steuben County area, where Trine is located.