NCHC

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) is a NCAA Division I men's ice hockey conference in the United States. It was formed in 2011 as part of a broader realignment of college hockey, bringing together programs that sought to preserve regional rivalries and ensure competitive balance. The conference began play in the 2013–14 season and has since been recognized for its emphasis on high-level competition and player development.

The league's membership has evolved through the years as programs changed affiliations in response to shifting conference landscapes. Members have included a mix of public and private universities located primarily in the central United States, united by geographic proximity and a tradition of strong hockey programs. The exact composition of the conference has shifted several times, reflecting broader moves within NCAA hockey.

The NCHC operates a regular-season schedule followed by a postseason tournament known as the Frozen Faceoff. The winner of the conference tournament earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, while other highly ranked teams from the league compete for at-large bids. The conference is known for producing teams that compete for national titles and for developing players who advance to professional hockey, including the National Hockey League.

Governance of the NCHC is carried out by representatives from its member institutions, with decisions regarding scheduling, competition rules, and media rights made by the league’s administration and the member schools. The conference maintains a focus on competitive success, academic progress, and the promotion of college hockey at the Division I level.