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 Dakota National Letter of Intent (CLI) is an essential document that signifies a student-athlete's commitment to playing collegiate hockey at the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACH) level. It acts as a binding agreement between the student-athlete and the institution they choose to attend in North Dakota. The CLI is a legal contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the student-athlete's scholarship or financial aid package, ensuring they receive the agreed-upon benefits while fulfilling their athletic obligations. By signing the CLI, both parties demonstrate their commitment to honor the agreement. There are various types of North Dakota National Letter of Intent — American Collegiate Hockey Association that cater to different situations and levels of commitment. These include: 1. Full Scholarship CLI: This type of CLI is offered to student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional athletic skills and potential. With a full scholarship, the student-athlete's tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses necessary for their education are fully covered by the institution. 2. Partial Scholarship CLI: Student-athletes who possess considerable talent but do not qualify for a full scholarship may be offered a partial scholarship CLI. This type of CLI covers only a portion of the student-athlete's educational expenses, requiring them to contribute to the remaining costs. 3. Walk-On CLI: In some cases, student-athletes who do not receive a scholarship offer but still wish to compete at the collegiate level may sign a walk-on CLI. This type of CLI doesn't provide any financial aid but allows the student-athlete to join the team and participate in practices and competitions. 4. Conditional CLI: Occasionally, student-athletes may be offered a conditional CLI. This means that their CLI is contingent upon meeting certain academic or athletic criteria, such as achieving a specific GPA or passing a physical fitness test. Failure to meet these conditions may result in the offer being revoked. Overall, the North Dakota National Letter of Intent — American Collegiate Hockey Association is an integral part of the recruitment and commitment process for student-athletes pursuing their passion for hockey at the collegiate level. It provides clarity and security for both the athletes and the institutions, ensuring that all parties are invested in and committed to their shared goals.
