ANGOLA, IN — If you listen closely, you can hear the Thunder off in the distance. There’s a lot of noise being made in the northeast corner of Indiana, and it’s not just coming from the construction equipment.  And when the dust finally settles, don’t be surprised to see Trine University take the collegiate hockey world by storm.

A few short months ago, Trine University announced a major initiative in their Athletic Department to the tune of $16 million.  A substantial part of the project is the formation of two men’s hockey teams, the state’s first women’s hockey team, and the construction of a $4.5 million ice arena.  “We are looking forward to the addition of ice hockey to our athletic department. Collegiate hockey will bring a new and exciting form of competition to the Trine University athletics family,” said Matt Land, assistant vice president of athletics at Trine.

The men’s programs have been granted admission to play in the NCAA Division III and the ACHA Division II, with head coaches Alex Todd and Dan Mayes at the helm of their respective teams.  The women’s team, headed up by Tom Hofman, will also play in the NCAA Division III.  The two NCAA DIII clubs will join the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association for the 2017 season.  “We look forward to playing in a conference with competition that will test us, knowing it will help our Thunder teams develop and grow as we seek to make the name Trine University synonymous with quality collegiate hockey,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president.

Already out on the recruiting trail, Todd hopes his recent string on on-ice successes will transfer to the living rooms of the prospects he courts.  He most recently served as an assistant coach with the Team USA U-17 club, dominating teams from Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic on their way to the title.  “I believe that my variety of experiences in hockey as a player and a coach will be an excellent fit for Trine.  I am eager to begin introducing Trine to players all over North America,” said Todd.  

The Five Nations title isn’t the only trophy on Todd’s mantle, as he has been named Coach of the Year on two separate occasions: with Castleton State in 2007 and as the Eastern College Athletic Conference East Coach of the Year in 2011.  Additionally, Todd was named Rookie of the Year in 2002 as a players with the Fresno Falcons minor league hockey club.

Hofman will serve as the inaugural head coach of the women’s team, which is a big plus for the fledgeling Thunder.  Hofman has experience building programs from the ground up, having most recently founded the women’s ACHA Division I hockey team at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  “I am honored and excited to be a part of the Trine Athletics family,” Hofman said.  “I am confident that my past experience in building a program at a private university will bode well in developing a competitive first-year team here.”

A little more than a month ago, the Thunder added it’s third hockey program and placed Mayes in the driver’s seat.  Having two men’s teams, and three programs overall, has helped increase Trine’s presence..  “Alex’s resume speaks for itself,” Mayes stated, “and learning from him has been a big plus.  With both men’s programs working together, and it opens the doors for more kids.”

Although he is often scouting different tournaments and programs, Hofman agreed that having the two men’s coaches out recruiting prospects is a boost to his club as well.  “The increased visibility helps a lot.  I’ve had more than a few people stop and talk to me just because they’ve seen the Trine logo around.”

Finding players for a new program is particularly challenging just from the sheer number needed to fill the initial rosters.  “There’s a lot of time invested,” said Hofman.  “You’re trying to fill every spot, and you have to pay attention to what your program will need two and three years down the road as well.”  

Having the skill to play collegiate hockey is essential for recruits, as well as the ability to maintain their grades at an acceptable level.  However, prospective Thunder players must possess another unique characteristic.  “They have to want to be here,” Todd pointed out.  “It’s not easy starting a new program.  They have to want to be a part of the building process.”

For the young men and women fortunate enough to earn a spot on the initial rosters, the reward of playing collegiate hockey will be complemented with a fabulous new facility to call home.  Construction is under way for the 50,600-square-foot, 1,000-seat ice arena, and is scheduled to be open in time for the 2017 season.  The facility will include an NCAA-compliant ice rink, men’s and women’s lockers, concessions, a VIP lounge and two press boxes.

Todd and Hofman were able to provide a substantial amount of input into the building’s design.  “Trine has a very good reputation as an engineering school,” said Todd.  “so whenever they take on a construction project, they are very conscientious about it.”  The two coaches essentially redesigned the entire interior of the facility after previewing the initial layout.

Eager to leverage their vast experience with collegiate hockey facilities, Todd was quick to point out that the university was more than willing to listen.  “The people at Trine were amazing.  We shared a lot about hockey and what should go into a collegiate facility.”

In addition to serving as the home of the Thunder, the new arena also will host club and youth hockey programs as well as other skating activities for the community and local school corporations.  Mayes is excited about the possibilities.  “We want to hook them on hockey.  Not just as a fan, but give them that passion for playing.  We need to grow that love of the game and slowly start to build it from the ground up.”

While the folks in Angola will have to tolerate the construction noise for a while longer, the rest of the state should keep a close eye on the horizon… a storm is coming.

For more information on Trine University Hockey, visit their website atwww.trinethunder.com and look for future updates on INHockey.net.