AIC is dropping its men's hockey program from Division I to Division II in 2025

The college hockey world suffered a major blow Tuesday afternoon when American International College (AIC) reportedly would downgrade its men's hockey program to the Division II level at the end of the season. The news was first reported by College Hockey Insider Mike McMahon and confirmed by current AIC head coach Eric Lang in a statement on social media.

The school has not yet publicly announced the decision, but players and staff were informed Tuesday morning, according to sources.

AIC has been playing at the Division I level in men's hockey for 27 years.

Despite struggling for much of that stretch, AIC has emerged as one of Atlantic Hockey America's top programs, making the NCAA Tournament three times since 2019.

Tuesday's news also comes on the heels of a potentially massive overhaul of the college hockey landscape, coinciding with the NCAAs decision to make CHL players eligible to compete at the Division I level.

Multiple sources have indicated that the AIC's decision is due to budget cuts and some have questioned whether the ability to meet grant requirements was another factor.

Head coach Eric Lang released the following statement about X earlier today:

“AIC is the place I have called home for over fifteen years of my life, as a player, graduate assistant, and head men's ice hockey coach. There have been a few stops here and there along the way, but there is always something that brings me back to the institution what I love.

“The information shared with me today by our government is saddening for everyone who has interacted with our program. No longer competing at the highest level, especially given the incredible success we have had as a team over the past six years, is difficult to comprehend. .

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every player, staff member and alumnus I have had the privilege of coaching and working with during my nine seasons here. Together we have achieved things that many thought impossible. I feel also the need to share how grateful I am to Coach Gary Wright, the heart and soul of AIC Hockey I am beyond blessed to have played and learned from you, Coach.

“While this news is difficult, I am committed to turning the page quickly. Our current team deserves every ounce of energy and support from our staff over the next four and a half months. Our goals remain unchanged. We are committed to Atlantic Hockey to win and earn a spot in the NCAA tournament.”

The AIC roster currently consists of 32 players, five of whom are seniors or graduate students. A number of AIC players will likely find themselves in the transfer portal, but will be able to continue playing for the school this season while they wait for other opportunities when the window opens again.

AIC is a Division II school in all its other sports. The hockey team will likely have a berth in the Division II Northeast 10 Conference (NE10), where men's hockey is played with six of the conference's member schools. There is no national championship at the Division II level for men's hockey.

Although the program will continue at the Division II level, the news comes as a blow amid recent successes at the Division I level and within the Atlantic Hockey America Conference, especially since Lang took over in April 2016.

Each of AIC's three trips to the NCAA Tournament have occurred in the last five years. The Yellow Jackets also had one of the biggest upsets in the NCAA Tournament when they ousted No. 1 overall seed St. Cloud State in 2019 before dropping a 3-0 decision to perennial power Denver with a trip to the Men's Frozen Four on the line. .

Lang has been named Atlantic Hockey Coach of the Year three times and has led AIC to four regular season titles and three conference championships (2019, 2021, 2022).

With AIC moving to Division II, the Atlantic Hockey America men's hockey conference is back to 10 teams.

AIC is coming off a 20-16-4 season and is also coming off six straight winning seasons, although the Yellow Jackets are off to a 2-6-1 start this fall.

AIC plays a series at Bentley this weekend. Both games will be broadcast on FloHockey.

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