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 West Virginia National Letter of Intent (CLI) in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACH) is an official agreement between a prospective hockey player and a participating university or college in West Virginia. When signed, the CLI signifies the student-athlete's commitment to attending the institution and participating in their collegiate hockey program. The West Virginia CLI offers various types of agreements depending on the athlete's level of commitment and the institution's recruiting policies. Here are some common types: 1. Early Signing Period CLI: This is the initial period designated by the ACH for student-athletes to sign their CLI. It typically starts in November and allows players to secure their spot in a hockey program before other competitors. 2. Regular Signing Period CLI: If a student-athlete does not sign during the early period, they can still commit to a West Virginia university or college during the regular signing period. This period usually extends from April to August, providing another opportunity to secure a spot in a hockey program. 3. Early Enrolled CLI: Some universities and colleges in West Virginia allow prospective hockey players to sign an early enrolled CLI. By signing this agreement, the athlete commits to joining the hockey program and the institution for the upcoming semester, granting them early access to academic and athletic resources. 4. Multiple Year CLI: In some cases, a West Virginia institution may offer a multiple year CLI. This allows student-athletes to commit to the hockey program for more than one academic year, providing both stability and a longer-term commitment for both the player and the institution. 5. Preferred Walk-On CLI: While most NLS come with athletic scholarships, some student-athletes may choose to sign a preferred walk-on CLI. This type of agreement allows them to join the hockey program without an athletic scholarship but guarantees them a roster spot and the opportunity to potentially earn a scholarship in the future. Overall, the West Virginia National Letter of Intent in the American Collegiate Hockey Association plays a crucial role in formalizing the commitment between prospective student-athletes and West Virginia universities or colleges' hockey programs. It ensures that both parties are dedicated to supporting each other's goals and aspirations while competing in the highly competitive world of collegiate hockey.
