NEWS RELEASE
SAULT COLLEGE
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After six highly successful years competing at the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) Division 2 and 3 National Championships, Sault College is proud to announce that its Women’s Hockey Team has been officially accepted into the ACHA’s Division 1.
The announcement was made Sunday by ACHA Women’s Division 1 Commissioner Molly Mahoney, marking the culmination of an extensive application and review process. This advancement reflects more than two years of dedicated program development and advocacy on behalf of Sault College Athletics.
Sault College has long targeted this goal following years of remarkable on-ice success under now-retired head coach Brianne Shunock, who built the women’s program into a perennial powerhouse. During this time, Sault College actively engaged teams across the ACHA to build support for its elevation to the top tier of women’s collegiate hockey.
One of the strongest advocates for Sault College’s transition was cross-border rival Lake Superior State University (LSSU), who themselves advanced to Division 1 just a few seasons ago. With two Division 1 programs located mere minutes apart, the move promises to strengthen one of the ACHA’s most exciting rivalries while also reducing travel demands for both institutions.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the ACHA’s decision to move our program into Division 1. The women have earned this opportunity, and it represents a win–win for both our college and the ACHA,” stated Sault College Director of Athletics Paul Orazietti.
“We are excited for this new challenge and look forward to competing at the highest level of women’s hockey within the association.”
The Sault College Cougars, current members of the Central Collegiate Women's Hockey Association (CCWHA), will complete their 2025–2026 season in Division 2, where they will pursue their fourth consecutive national championship under first-year head coach Megan Dubas. The Cougars will officially debut in ACHA Division 1 in the fall of 2026.
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