Men's And Women's Ice Hockey Joins The MASCAC

PAXTON, MA — On Wednesday, June 13th the The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Council of Presidents and Commissioner Angela Baumann announced that the Anna Maria College men's and women's ice hockey teams will be joining the MASCAC as affiliate members. 

Along with Rivier University, Anna Maria will join MASCAC men's ice hockey beginning in 2024-25 and provisionally for MASCAC women's ice hockey. The multi-sport strategic addition of both of these institutions as affiliates adds members to assist in men's ice hockey scheduling and positions the conference in preparations for launching MASCAC women's ice hockey as a championship sport in the near future. They will join Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, MCLA, Plymouth State University, UMass Dartmouth, Salem State University, Westfield State University and Worcester State University as the competing members in the MASCAC.

"The MASCAC is thrilled to welcome Anna Maria College and Rivier University to the conference," Commissioner Baumann said. "The addition of these institutions secures the future of MASCAC men's ice hockey while addressing some scheduling logistics and sets the pathway for additional opportunities. Partnering as affiliates with these two institutions in our geographic footprint advances the MASCAC membership towards reaching a strategic goal of increasing the number of sports in the league with the addition of women's ice hockey.  I look forward to working with both institutions, their administrations and providing outstanding student-athlete opportunities."

The Anna Maria men's and women's ice hockey teams are gearing up for their sixth season in their programs history. Since their start in 2018-19 under the leadership of Head Coach David McCauley, the men's hockey  team has amassed a record of 36-53-13 while competing independently at the Division III level. 

"I'm excited and thankful for the opportunity the MASCAC has given Anna Maria." said McCauley. "Our alumni, who helped build this program, and current players will be just as thrilled. We would not have this opportunity without the support and commitment from Anna Maria President Mary Lou Retelle and Athletic Director Joe Brady. It's a great day for the Anna Maria Hockey program!" 

The women's hockey team saw significant growth in the 2022-23 season following the hiring of Head Coach Zach Perkins, who tied the schools single season win record (7 wins) during his first season with the team. "We are extremely thankful for the  opportunity the MASCAC has presented Anna Maria," said Perkins. "Our current group is extremely excited for the opportunity! Thank you to President Retelle and Athletic Director Joe Brady for their tireless effort and pursuit of a place for our program to grow and compete. This opportunity is another step in the progression of Anna Maria women's hockey and we could not be more excited to get started! We are looking forward to the challenge!"

"Our student-athletes, Coach David McCauley and Coach Zachary Perkins have worked hard to build a respected program in the region and the opportunity to compete in the MASCAC conference is something we are all looking forward to," said Director of Athletics Joseph Brady '96. "We are thankful to Commissioner Baumann, the presidents of the MASCAC universities, and the athletics directors for this invitation. The chance to compete for a conference championship is a tremendous opportunity for both programs and our department. This new partnership with the MASCAC will continue to enhance our student-athlete experience for our hockey programs."

"Anna Maria College is honored to be invited to join the MASCAC for men's and women's hockey. We take great pride in our student-athletes and I know they will represent the MASCAC well in talent and sportsmanship" said Mary Lou Retelle President of Anna Maria College.

Located on 260 acres in Paxton, Massachusetts, Anna Maria College is a private, coeducational institution inspired by the ideals of the Sisters of Saint Anne. Anna Maria prepares students to become ethical leaders by combining a values-based, service-focused education with strong functional knowledge and the skills necessary to address the rapidly changing needs of their world. Anna Maria offers on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate degrees along with certificate programs, 13 NCAA DIII teams, club sports, and many student organizations.