A new team enters the arena: Schoolcraft College joins the American Collegiate Hockey Association

Dr. Glenn Cerny, who serves as the president of Schoolcraft College, calls the college instating its first men’s hockey team a “no-brainer,” given its location: “Being located in such a hockey-rich community such as Livonia, I can’t wait to cheer on the Ocelots when they take to the ice next year,” he said in an article on the school’s website.

Schoolcraft College announced the formation of the team that will begin to play in the 2024-2025 season under the American Collegiate Hockey Association. Schoolcraft College has never before had a men’s hockey team, which to hockey fans like Dr. Cerny might seem a little strange. The school has long planned to add more teams and programs to its roster of athletics in order to give its student body a well-rounded experience on campus.

Schoolcraft College’s team, the Ocelots, will participate in the American Collegiate Hockey Association despite its status as a two-year institution. Two-year schools usually belong to the National Junior College Athletic Association, but no sponsorships were available at this time. Therefore, the Ocelots will be one of only a few two-year schools in the ACHA.

Dan Phelps is being brought on as head coach of the new team, which may also be a no-brainer, as Phelps himself is a Livonia native with more than two decades of coaching experience. Of his new position, Phelps said, “I’m extremely grateful and honored to be given this opportunity to lead the program for Schoolcraft College.  I’m looking forward to the journey ahead and building a sustainable program that Schoolcraft College is proud to have in their athletic family. I’d like to thank college president, Dr. Glenn Cerny and Athletic Director Patrick Yelsik, for their diligence in the work already put in, and their support to field a first-class program. I look forward to working with them as the program takes fruition.”

The team’s roster is not yet final and there is still time for prospective players to join. Those interested can get in touch with the recruiting staff at the athletics website. Players on the new men’s hockey team must follow all academic guidelines to be eligible. The team will play at the Mike Modano Ice Arena.

The school has been looking for ways to increase interest and enrollment, as noted by Athletic Director Patrick Yelsik, and the new team could be a step in the right direction. Yelsik said, “This is yet another example of the College’s commitment to athletics and using it as a vehicle to contribute to our enrollment goals as well as increasing the opportunities that our students are afforded beyond the classroom. It’s the epitome of a win-win.”

For more information about Schoolcraft College, visit the school’s website.