The expansion fits right in line with the conferences' long range plan.  "The ICHC aspires to be among the elite conferences in the Midwest," stated Driscoll, "with ability to consistently send multiple teams to Regionals every year.  These additions will help us make a quantum leap forward in accomplishing that goal."

Earning a berth to the post-season is every teams' goal, but in the ACHA D3 where budget is always an important factor, the additions make sound financial sense as well.  "This expansion makes for highly competitive conference play without the burden of expensive, long-distance travel."

With the addition of the Red Hawks and the Thunder, the conference moves into a position of significance in the Midwest.  The expansion should dramatically increase interest in collegiate hockey on both sides of the Indiana/Ohio border and beyond.  Not to mention opportunity.  “The ICHC plays an important role in giving hockey players from Indiana and the Midwest an opportunity to play competitive hockey at the collegiate level.  We are excited to be a part of that process,” said Trine ACHA D3 head coach Kevin Cole.

Currently in the midst of its inaugural season, the Thunder have carved out a respectable 7-7-2 record and enter the winter recess ranked 13th in the North Region.  Trine added a total of three men’s hockey teams this year, with ACHA D2 and NCAA D3 teams to go along with the ACHA D3 club.  The school launched the state’s first NCAA D3 women’s team as well.

Unlike the Thunder, Miami (OH) has an extensive hockey history stretching back to the team’s inception in 1978.  While the early years were somewhat unremarkable, the Red Hawks have enjoyed a run of successful season that includes 10 NCAA tournament appearances in the last 14 years and two Frozen Fours.  This season, Miami opened a new era in the program’s history with the launch of the ACHA D3 team.  The Red Hawks have managed to cobble together a 6-4-0 record at the break, including a pair of wins over future conference foe IPFW.

“This is a big step forward for our young program in trying to build a national contender,” stated Miami Hockey Coordinator Justin Camuto.  “We are very happy and proud to now be a part of the ICHC.  We look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Plans are in the works for Trine to host the 2019 Crossroads Cup, the ICHC’s conference championship.  With a capacity of 1600 and built to house multiple hockey teams, the Thunder Ice Arena will provide both teams and spectators with a most memorable tournament experience.  Likewise, Miami’s Goggin Ice Center is one of the premier hockey facilities in the Midwest.  Built in 2006 to the tune of $34.8 million, the two-pad complex can seat over 3,400 spectators and will provide an idyllic backdrop when their time comes to host the Crossroads Cup.

With the second half of the season and an entire offseason still ahead, its way too early to speculate how this move might impact the balance of power in the ICHC.  The Hoosiers have reeled off two straight titles and are well-positioned to add a third come February.  But the Thunder have already compiled a 5-1-0 record against ICHC teams this season, while the Red Hawks have two wins over their new conference mates with games against Butler and Ball State ahead after the holidays.

Whether or not Trine or Miami can unseat Indiana at the top of the conference remains to be seen, but the expansion itself is a significant step in solidifying the ICHC and sends a clear message to the rest of the country that hockey in the Heartland is here to stay.