ACHA 2023 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE HELD AT NEW ENGLAND SPORTS CENTER
TROY, MI (Nov. 4, 2021) – The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), the governing body for non-NCAA men’s and women’s hockey in the United States, announced today that the 2023 ACHA National Championships will be held at the New England Sports Center (NESC) in Marlborough, Mass. from March 16-21, 2023.
The NESC is owned by Larue Renfroe, current owner of the AHL Providence Bruins and founder of ATC Corporation. The NESC was built in 1994 and has been expanded on three occasions over the last 15 years (2004, 2010 & 2017). The two-story venue features eight-rink ice-skating surfaces located on 22.3 acres. The 220,000-square-foot building has over 65 locker rooms, a hockey pro shop, ice skate sharpening, ice skate rentals, function rooms, a full-service restaurant, and a snack bar. In addition to the eight full-size rinks, the NESC has two miniature ice surfaces, rinks 9 and 10. Among many other user groups, the facility plays host to the Minuteman Flames, Central Mass. Outlaws and Junior Bruins hockey teams. The NESC is famous for having more ice-skating surfaces than any other arena in the New England area.
“The ACHA established our current championship model – having all five Divisions host their Championships in one location – but we have never been able to have all our teams, games and fans be in the same building at the same time. The NESC will provide this opportunity. I am eager for our teams and fans to experience this type of exciting atmosphere in a championship setting,” remarked Craig Barnett, Executive Director.
Originally selected to host the 2021 ACHA National Championships until the COVID-19 pandemic altered those plans, the cooperation and flexibility of the NESC made it possible for the ACHA to bring the 2023 ACHA National Championships to New England. Exposing the ACHA’s brand of play with 109 games over a six-day period to the hockey-rich Greater Boston area will be a benefit for the ACHA, its student-athletes, the surrounding community, and fans alike.
The specific dates for each division during the 2023 ACHA National Championships at the NESC are:
Men’s Division 1 Thursday, March 16-Tuesday, March 21
Men’s Division 2 Friday, March 17-Tuesday, March 21
Men’s Division 3 Thursday, March 16-Tuesday, March 21
Women’s Division 1 Thursday, March 16-Monday, March 20
Women’s Division 2 Thursday, March 16-Monday, March 20
Prior to going to Boston in 2023, the ACHA will hold its 2022 National Championships from March 10-20, 2022, in St. Louis at the Centene Community Ice Center and Maryville University Hockey Center. The specific dates for each division in St. Louis are:
Division Dates # of Teams # of Games
Men’s Division 1 March 10-15 20 19
Men’s Division 2 March 14-18 16 27
Men’s Division 3 March 10–15 16 27
Women’s Division 1 March 16-20 10 13
Women’s Division 2 March 15-19 16 27
Total Number of Teams 78
Total Number of Games 113
For more information, please contact ACHA Executive Director Craig Barnett at cbarnett@achahockey.org.
