Over the summer on this mailing list we had a heated discussion
about the quality of ACHA teams.  I played four years for the University
of Illinois (1995 ACHA Division I All-American goalie), and I feel the
quality of competition among the top 15 ACHA teams is equivalent to that
of most NCAA Division III teams.  Already this season we have seen a
number of instances in which ACHA teams have upset NCAA opponents.
 
     In my four years at Illinois, we played every single home game in
front of standing-room-only crowds at the 2,100-seat UI Ice Arena
(located right in the heart of campustown).  We receive extensive local
media coverage, while nearly full equipment and all travel expenses are
paid for by the team.  I would venture to say that our players are
treated - at least in these respects - as well as most Division I
players are treated.
 
     Most of our opponents in the circle of teams we generally play
have similar stories to tell.  Arizona, in fact, is near the top of the
national attendance rankings - for all of college hockey! - year in and year
out.  (Last year I believe they averaged 6,000+.)  Likewise, Ohio, Penn
State, and Iowa State also average close to 2,000 fans per game, and many
of these teams even provide scholarships to their players.
 
     The ACHA operates on two levels: Division I and Division II.  The
teams you are all familiar with (Penn St., Arizona, Illinois) as well as
perhaps 30 others comprise Division I.  ACHA Division I teams follow
strict eligibility rules, similar to those enforced by the NCAA.  ACHA
Division II consists of teams generally deserving of the name "club
hockey."  There are many more ACHA Division II teams, perpetuating the
stigma of "club hockey."  But take a trip to the "Madhouse on Main
Street" in Tuscon, or the Ice Pavillion at Penn St., or the "Big Pond"
here in Champaign, and you would not be able to tell whether you were
watching an ACHA game or an NCAA Division I game!
 
                                     http://students.uiuc.edu/~t-kasdan
                                         /)  Visit my homepage! (\
         Terry Kasdan                   / )                     ( \
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