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Sault College Women’s Hockey Team Accepted into ACHA Division 1
Posted: Nov 18, 2025

Sault College Women’s Hockey Team Accepted into ACHA Division 1

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario — November 17, 2025

Sault College Women's Hockey Team Accepted into ACHA Division 1

After six highly successful years competing at the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) Division 2 and 3 National Championships, Sault College is proud to announce that its Women's Hockey Team has been officially accepted into the ACHA's Division 1.

The announcement came Sunday from the ACHA Women's Division 1 Commissioner -Molly Mahoney, concluding an application and review process that began earlier this year and was the culmination of more than two years of dedicated lobbying and program development.

Sault College has long targeted this move following years of remarkable on-ice success under now-retired head coach Brianne Shunock, who built the women's program into a perennial powerhouse. During this time, Sault College actively engaged teams across the ACHA to build support for its elevation to the top tier of women's collegiate hockey.

One of the strongest advocates for Sault College's transition was cross-border rival Lake Superior State University (LSSU), who themselves advanced to Division 1 just a few seasons ago. With two Division 1 programs located mere minutes apart, the move promises to strengthen one of the ACHA's most exciting rivalries while also reducing travel demands for both institutions.

Sault College Director of Athletics Paul Orazietti celebrated the decision, stating:

"We couldn't be more thrilled with the ACHA's decision to move our program into Division 1. The women have earned this opportunity, and it represents a win–win for both our college and the ACHA. We are excited for this new challenge and look forward to competing at the highest level of women's hockey within the association."

The Sault College Cougars, current members of the CCWHA, will complete their 2025–2026 season in Division 2, where they will pursue their fourth consecutive national championship under first-year head coach Megan Dubas. The Cougars will officially debut in ACHA Division 1 in the fall of 2026.

For more information, please contact:
Sault College Athletics Department
Email: athletics@saultcollege.ca