Columbus to Host American Collegiate Hockey Association 2018 National Championships in March

Event to Feature Top Intercollegiate Hockey Teams from Across the Country

COLUMBUS and TROY, Mich. (January 23, 2018) – The American Collegiate Hockey Association, a proud member of USA Hockey and an organization of nearly 500 college and university affiliated hockey programs, will make history once again when all five of their divisions—Men’s Division I, II and III along with Women’s Division I and II—along with NAIA Hockey—hold their 2018 ACHA National Championships together in Columbus, Ohio from March 8-18.

Last year marked the first time in ACHA history that players from top non-varsity intercollegiate hockey teams from across the country all competed together in one location. The 2017 ACHA National Championships generated approximately 3,000 hotel room nights and a direct economic impact of $8.1 million for the City of Columbus.

“The American Collegiate Hockey Association is looking forward to returning to Columbus and having all five of our divisions’ national championships in one location,” said Christopher Perry, interim Executive Director of the ACHA. “The Columbus Blue Jackets and the OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks have been incredible to work with to make this a very special event.  The City of Columbus, along with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, have also been great partners to provide such a historical and memorable experience for our student athletes.”

More than 75 teams and 1,600 players will compete in more than 100 games during the 2018 ACHA National Championships. The 2018 ACHA National Championships, hosted by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and the Columbus Blue Jackets will be held at the OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks (North, Easton, Dublin) and the OhioHealth Ice Haus at Nationwide Arena.

“Columbus is thrilled to have this historic opportunity to host the championships for the entire ACHA family for a second straight year,” said Greater Columbus Sports Commission Executive Director Linda Shetina Logan. “Along with our partners, the Columbus Blue Jackets and OhioHealth Chillers, we look forward to continue providing a first-class experience for the teams and fans visiting our great city.”

“The OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks are very excited to partner with the ACHA and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission on hosting the 2018 Nationals,” said Jeremy Rogers, Assistant General Manager of the OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks. “This is a marquee event for our sport, our city, and these student-athletes, and we welcome the opportunity to highlight the quality and growth of college club hockey.”

“The Chillers offered the perfect setup for the ACHA last year it will be great to again have teams from all over the country have a chance to see firsthand what a great hockey market we have here in Columbus,” said J.D. Kershaw, Columbus Blue Jackets Vice President of Marketing. “Between the Chillers’ well-equipped facilities and the many amenities our city has to offer visitors, it should be another terrific experience for these student athletes, their families and their supporters.”

The ACHA men’s and women’s divisions will be in action on the following dates:

*W2 Championship Game will be played at the OhioHealth Ice Haus
**M2 & M3 Semi-Final and Championship Games will be played at the OhioHealth Ice Haus

Please visit www.achahockey.org or achanationals.com for comprehensive National Championship information, including venues and starting times for all tournament games, discounted hotel rates, and more.