The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) began as a men's collegiate hockey league in 1991, and quickly grew to a league of over 150 teams in three men's divisions. A Women's Division was added in 2000, and currently boasts five divisions (two women's now) with over 300 teams from across the United States. ACHA teams are non-varsity club teams without NCAA sanction; they offer no scholarships and typically receive far less university funding than is sufficient to cover expenses.
The North Carolina National Letter of Intent (CLI) is an important document in the realm of collegiate hockey in the United States. It is particularly associated with the American Col ligate Hockey Association (ACH), which governs and supports college club hockey programs across the nation. The CLI is a binding agreement between a student-athlete and a specific college or university. By signing this document, the athlete commits to attending the institution and playing for their hockey program for a minimum of one academic year. On the other hand, the college or university pledges to provide the athlete with an athletic scholarship for that duration. This letter of intent holds significance for both parties involved. For the student-athlete, it solidifies their commitment to a particular college, ensuring they receive both an education and the opportunity to play hockey at a competitive level. It demonstrates their dedication to their sport and their desire to contribute to the team's success. Moreover, the CLI benefits the college or university as well. It secures the talent of the athlete, ensuring their enrollment and participation within the hockey program. This helps to build a strong team and maintain competitiveness within the ACH. Different types or variations of the North Carolina CLI — American Collegiate Hockey Association may include: 1. Full Athletic Scholarship CLI: This type of CLI guarantees a student-athlete a complete athletic scholarship, covering the cost of tuition, fees, books, housing, and potentially other related expenses. 2. Partial Athletic Scholarship CLI: In this case, the CLI specifies that the student-athlete will receive a partial athletic scholarship, usually covering a portion of their educational costs. 3. Preferred Walk-On CLI: Some athletes may choose to sign a preferred walk-on CLI. This means they are not guaranteed an athletic scholarship, but they still commit to attending the college or university and participating in the hockey program. They may have the opportunity to earn a scholarship in the future based on their performance. Overall, the North Carolina National Letter of Intent — American Collegiate Hockey Association is a vital document connecting student-athletes and educational institutions, solidifying their commitment to each other. It plays a crucial role in the growth and development of college club hockey programs, ensuring competitive teams and giving athletes an opportunity to showcase their skills while pursuing higher education.
