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 New York National Letter of Intent (CLI) is a binding agreement between a student-athlete and a member institution of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACH) in New York. It serves as a commitment from the student-athlete to attend the institution on a full-time basis and participate in their ice hockey program. The CLI is a crucial step for high school seniors who have been recruited by ACH member institutions in New York. By signing this legal document, student-athletes officially declare their intent to join their chosen program. This ensures that the athlete's spot is reserved, preventing other schools from recruiting them further. The New York National Letter of Intent provides benefits for both the student-athlete and the institution. For the student-athlete, it guarantees a position on the team, an opportunity to receive athletic scholarships or financial aid, and a chance to pursue their education while playing competitive ice hockey. For the institution, it secures committed players, allowing them to plan their team roster for the upcoming season. Several types of New York National Letter of Intent may exist based on specific divisions or levels within the ACH. Some typical types include: 1. Division I CLI: This CLI is for student-athletes who have been recruited by Division I ACH institutions in New York. These institutions typically have highly competitive ice hockey programs and offer scholarships to talented players. 2. Division II CLI: Division II CLI is targeted at student-athletes who have secured a spot on a Division II ACH team in New York. These institutions may offer athletic scholarships but often have slightly less competitive programs compared to Division I. 3. Division III CLI: Division III CLI is designed for student-athletes who have been recruited by Division III ACH institutions in New York. These institutions emphasize a balance between academics and athletics and do not offer athletic scholarships. However, they provide opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a collegiate level while pursuing their studies. The New York National Letter of Intent is a vital step in the college recruitment process for ice hockey players. It signifies their commitment to a specific ACH institution and paves the way for a rewarding college experience both on and off the ice.
