Brockport and Geneseo to join UCHC

The SUNY Brockport and SUNY Geneseo men’s hockey programs are set to join the United Collegiate Hockey Conference for the 2024-25 season. This will set UCHC men’s hockey membership to eight teams in 2024-25.

“We are honored to add Geneseo and Brockport, two teams that have a rich history of competing at a high level and doing things the right way under great leadership” said UCHC Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. “They enhance our competitive profile nationally and fit perfectly geographically. The future is very bright for the UCHC.”

Located in Brockport, NY, SUNY Brockport is an inclusive learning community that inspires excellence through growth, engagement, and transformation. Brockport has grown from its founding as a teacher-training institute to a vibrant comprehensive university, offering a wide array of high-quality programs in the liberal arts and professions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Brockport is proud to serve a student population with diverse backgrounds and pathways.
 
“SUNY Brockport is pleased to accept our invitation to join the UCHC,” said Brockport President Dr. Heidi Macpherson. “The conference is known for its high level of competition, a competitive environment that will allow our student-athletes to challenge themselves and develop their skills to the fullest. I have been particularly impressed by UCHC’s commitment to community engagement, which closely aligns with SUNY Brockport’s goals. We are a University that is engaged with its community, and we look forward to our hockey players extending that commitment in partnership with the UCHC through its various outreach programs, charity events, and youth hockey initiatives.”
 
Brockport sponsors 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports with a total roster of 650 student-athletes.  The mission of the SUNY Brockport athletic department is to provide a transformational, holistic student-athlete experience by integrating intercollegiate athletics into the SUNY Brockport education. This is achieved by focusing on five key areas: Integrating with the University, Championing diversity and inclusion, achieving academically, Excelling athletically, and Playing with integrity.
 
Brockport is celebrating its 50th ice hockey season at the varsity level in 2023-24. Golden Eagle alumni have gone on to play in the AHL, ECHL, SPHL and European Leagues. Brockport has earned a spot in the SUNYAC Tournament eight times since 2010 and has posted double-digit victories in each of the last nine season. Head Coach Brian Dickinson is in his 27th season as head coach and is a two-time SUNYAC Coach of the Year recipient. In 2021-22, AHCA All-American Ryan Romeo was named the SUNYAC’s Herb Hammond Player of the Year, while a pair of Brockport student-athletes have won the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award in each of the last two seasons.
 
"We are thrilled and honored by the acceptance of our hockey program into the United Collegiate Hockey Conference,” said Brockport Athletic Director Erick Hart. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to excellence. Joining this prestigious conference will not only elevate the level of competition we face but also provide our student-athletes with incredible opportunities to showcase their talents on a larger stage. We look forward to making our mark in the UCHC and continuing to uphold the proud traditions of SUNY Brockport hockey."
 
The Golden Eagles play at Wegmans Ice Arena on campus, which seats 2,000 fans.
 
"We’re honored and excited that SUNY Brockport hockey has been accepted into the United Collegiate Hockey Conference,” said Brockport Head Coach Brian Dickinson. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, coaching staff, and the entire Brockport community. We look forward to competing at the highest level and representing our school with pride and passion on the ice. The future is bright, and we can't wait to make our mark in the UCHC."

Both Brockport and Geneseo will begin multi-sport play in the Empire 8 conference in 2024-25.   
 
UCHC men’s programs will consist of Brockport, Chatham University, Geneseo, Manhattanville College, Nazareth University, Neumann University, Utica University, and Wilkes University for the 2024-25 season.