The UCHC announced Wednesday that the conference will add Alvernia for the 2019-20 season.
The Reading, Pa.-based school is set to begin NCAA Division III play in the fall of 2019 with former Penn State head coach Josh Brandwene assuming similar duties with Alvernia and former Elmira star and 2015 NCAA Division III Player of the Year Ashley Ryan the team’s assistant coach.
“We are excited to welcome Alvernia University to the UCHC,” said UCHC commissioner Chuck Mitrano in a statement. “They are an ideal fit as an institution with a great academic background and commitment to its student-athletes. We are proud to continue to support the growth of women’s ice hockey and Alvernia has positioned itself for success.”
“After hiring an excellent coaching staff, conference affiliation was most critical to building a successful foundation for the success of our women’s ice hockey program,” added Alvernia director of athletics Bill Stiles. “The UCHC provides Alvernia with an opportunity to complete against peer institutions with similar principles, commitment to excellence, and comparable values and missions.”
The Golden Wolves will play at the 7,083 seat Santander Arena in Reading, home of the ECHL’s Reading Royals.
