UCHC announced that it would expand its men’s membership to 12 with the University of Misericordia joining the league in 2024-25.
“Misericordia has a comprehensive and highly competitive athletics program across the board,” UCHC Commissioner Chuck Metrano said in a statement. “We are excited to be a part of their history with the addition of men’s ice hockey and what is sure to be another competitive program that provides quality experiences for student-athletes and their peers from UCHC.”
Misericordia has a population of 2,000 students and is located in Dallas, Pennsylvania. As a private Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia emphasizes collaborative, hands-on learning as well as co-curricular activities delivered by participating faculty and staff.
“We welcome the opportunity to join the United Collegiate Hockey Conference as we look forward to our first season of men’s ice hockey in 2024-25,” said Misericordia President Dr. Dan Myers. “The University of Misericordia is committed to expanding opportunities for our student athletes and UCHC provides an opportunity for our men’s ice hockey team to compete in the MAC and beyond.”
Athletically, Misericordia has found success as a member of the MAC Freedom Conference. Most recently, the MU women’s soccer team ranked #1 in the nation in 2022 and advanced to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament, and the Cougars baseball team won 10 consecutive MAC Freedom titles from 2011 to 2021.
The Cougars will play and train at the Toyota SportsPlex in nearby Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with fellow UCHC rival Wilkes. This facility is the training home for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. In addition to the Toyota SportsPlex, the team will also have the opportunity to practice at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township, an 8,300-seat venue that is home to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
“We are excited about the opportunity to join our many fellow MAC institutions as a member of the United Collegiate Hockey Conference,” said Chuck Edkins, Misericordia’s director of athletics. In addition, we are looking forward to renewing some rivalries with conference competitors from the past and creating new ones with institutions from other regions. Membership in UCHC will have a significant positive impact on the delivery of the men’s ice hockey program.”