General | 1/10/2024 9:37:00 AM
PITTSFORD, N.Y., January 10, 2024—St. John Fisher University will add two intercollegiate hockey teams to its athletic offerings beginning in 2025, and will be the first collegiate partner of the Rochester Ice Center, the program's home ice.
The addition of men's and women's hockey teams to the roster of sports offered at the University broadens its total number of athletic teams competing in the NCAA Division III to 26.
Fisher's athletics department is now in the recruiting phase, and incoming hockey student-athletes will enter the University in the fall 2025 semester. At the collegiate level, the hockey season runs from October to March.
This news builds upon recent years of growth in the Fisher Athletics Department as well as the increasing popularity of hockey in the Western New York region and on campus. Fisher's club hockey team won the American Division Championship at the AAU College Hockey Tournament in March 2023.
"We are confident that our University's academic offerings, continuing growth, and reputation and record in the NCAA Division III will enable us to successfully recruit hockey student-athletes to Fisher who will add to our success," said Jose Perales, vice president for enrollment management. "We look forward to providing the total Fisher experience to students who might now consider Fisher because of the opportunity to play intercollegiate hockey. Not only will they have access to a state-of-the-market academic experience but the exceptional Fisher Athletics experience as well."
The University anticipates a roster size of 25-30 student-athletes on both the men's and women's teams with an eye toward their first competitive intercollegiate game in fall 2025.
"This is an exciting time at Fisher and expanding our intercollegiate athletic offerings to reflect the growing interest in hockey adds to that excitement," said Bob Ward, athletics director at Fisher. "Through our partnership with the premier facility in the region, the Rochester Ice Center, our student-athletes will have access to cutting edge facilities, and a place to call home."
The University said that next steps include hiring a coaching staff and the finalization of the sport's conference affiliation.
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About St. John Fisher University
St. John Fisher University is a comprehensive liberal arts institution that provides a transformative education to approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students each year. Across its five Schools, Fisher offers nearly 40 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and nursing; 11 pre-professional programs; and master's and doctoral programs in business, nursing, education, and pharmacy. Located just beyond Rochester, New York, the University's 160-acre residential campus boasts a robust living and learning community and through online offerings, attracts students from more than 30 states. An independent institution today, the University was founded by the Congregation of St. Basil in 1948. As Fisher moves forward into the future, it stays true to its Catholic heritage and honors the Basilians by embracing their motto, "Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge."
