The ACHA was established on April 20, 1991, as a non-varsity option for college students to be able to play hockey at the collegiate level.  The Charter Members (See below), had existed prior as club programs but by starting this association it allowed for standardization of procedures as well as raise the level of play and organization of the club hockey at the college level.  During the last three decades, the ACHA has seen explosive growth, growing to over 450 teams, spread across three Men's Divisions and two Women's Divisions.