Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey to Join MASCAC as Affiliate Member Beginning in 2026–27
WESTFIELD, Mass. – The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) and the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) have announced that the Blue Jays men's and women's ice hockey programs will begin varsity competition in the MASCAC starting in the 2026–27 season.
USJ announced the launch of its men's and women's ice hockey programs—its 15th and 16th varsity sport offerings—on October 14, and both programs are set to begin their inaugural seasons in fall 2026.
"We are thrilled to join the MASCAC and elevate our men's and women's ice hockey programs within such a competitive and well-respected conference, with the added excitement of moving up to varsity status in 2026–27," said Associate Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Amanda Devitt. "This is an exciting step forward for USJ Athletics and our student-athletes, opening new opportunities for growth and competition."
With the addition of USJ, the MASCAC will have eight men's ice hockey programs competing while women's ice hockey will expand to eight teams with the inclusion of Fitchburg State University during the 2027-28 season.
About the MASCAC
The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, the nation's oldest Division III men's and women's playing conference, has a rich tradition of competitive success while celebrating excellence in the classroom. MASCAC member schools include Anna Maria College, Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Westfield State University, and Worcester State University.
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Plymouth State University are affiliate members in football. Springfield College joined as a men's golf affiliate in 2019, while Marymount University and Marywood University joined in 2024. Anna Maria College and Rivier University joined as women's ice hockey affiliates in 2024, and Dean College joined as a football affiliate in 2025.
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