Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference

The Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference (ECHC) is a collegiate hockey conference that plays in Divisions I, II, and III of the North American Collegiate Hockey League (Formerly the AAU College Hockey and the CHF). The Conference was established in May 2009, when University of Albany, Farmingdale State College, Hofstra University, Union College, Skidmore College, Southern Connecticut State, Siena College and Fairfield University set out to establish an organization.^[1][2]

Since 2009, the ECHC has seen various esteemed institutions join and depart, each contributing to the rich legacy of the conference. The inaugural 2009–10 season saw the University of Albany, Farmingdale State College, Hofstra University, Union College, Skidmore College, Southern Connecticut State University, Siena College, and Fairfield University laying the foundation. Union College and Skidmore College exited after the first season, while Wagner College joined in 2011–12 but departed after a single season. SUNY Maritime became a key member from 2013–14 until 2016–17, and Quinnipiac University joined in 2015–16, becoming a mainstay.^[3]

In the fall of 2019, the Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference welcomed Ramapo College of New Jersey, Hofstra University, Fordham University, and Stony Brook University, solidifying the conference as the premier conference in the Collegiate Hockey Federation. The spring of 2022 saw the ECHC expand its ranks with the addition of the University of New Haven, Sacred Heart University, and Farmingdale State College's (DIII) team. This expansion, and the unwavering goal of creating the most dynamic hockey experience for their members, led the Empire to create a second division to ensure competitive balance and integrity. In February 2023, the ECHC crowned two conference champions for the very first time. Farmingdale State College (DIII) captured the Black Division championship, beating the University of New Haven in the finals, and Ramapo College of New Jersey overcame Fairfield University, thanks to an overtime game-winning goal by Christopher Dressler.

During the offseason, AAU College Hockey announced their Inaugural DI season, and named Farmingdale State College, Fairfield University, Quinnipiac University, University of Delaware, and Fordham University as organizations that met the qualifications to be considered DI teams.

The most recent 2023–24 season continued the trend of growth and excellence with the addition of Rutgers University (DII), bringing with it a new level of competition and excitement. NYCHC (Columbia University) also joined the fold, further enriching the landscape of collegiate hockey within the Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference. Fairfield University expanded its participation by adding a Division III team, underscoring the conference's commitment to growth and diversity within its ranks.

The 2024–25 season marked the Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference's 15th anniversary, a milestone celebrated with 15 member teams, including the newly welcomed Stevens Institute of Technology.^[4] The season also featured a new division realignment, with the Purple Division consisting of the University of Delaware, Farmingdale State College (DI), Fairfield University (DI), and Quinnipiac University, all DI teams. The Black Division will comprise Farmingdale State College (DII), Ramapo College of New Jersey, Fordham University, Sacred Heart University, and Columbia University. The Silver Division will include Fairfield University (DIII), Stony Brook University, Hofstra University, the University of New Haven, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Rutgers University.

Farmingdale State College (DI) captured its ninth ECHC Conference Championship, defeating the University of Delaware in the Purple Division final. Columbia University claimed the Black Division title with a win over Farmingdale State College (DII), while Stony Brook University earned the Silver Division championship by defeating Rutgers University.

Following the conclusion of the season, it was announced that Kutztown University (DII) and Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg (DII) would be joining the Conference for the 2025–26 season. Additionally, the New England Independent Hockey Conference (NEIHC) was brought under the ECHC umbrella.

The NEIHC programs include:

DII: Anna Maria College, Bishop’s University, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Stonehill College, and the University of Maine.

DIII: Babson College, Brown University, Nichols College, Quincy College, and Springfield College.

For the 2025–26 season, Sacred Heart University will transition from a Federation (non-tournament bound) team to a full DIII member, and St. John’s University will also join the Conference at the DIII level. The ECHC continues to grow as a premier destination for non-NCAA collegiate hockey, proudly representing institutions across the Northeast and Atlantic regions of the United States and Canada.

In the "Play-In" round, (4) Ramapo College of New Jersey defeated (5) Fordham University, 6–3.

In the "Play-In" round, (3) Stony Brook University defeated (6) Stevens Institute of Technology, 5–4 OT.

In the "Play-In" round, (4) University of New Haven defeated (5) Hofstra University, 4–1.

• List of ice hockey leagues

• Empire College Hockey Conference
• Empire College Hockey Conference