RALEIGH, N.C. — In a state experiencing tremendous growth in competitive hockey, it's somewhat strange that the state's top university, UNC-Chapel Hill, doesn't have a Division I ice hockey team that competes in the NCAA.
But thanks to the support of North Carolina State Hockey and the university's own boosters and supporters, the UNC club ice hockey team may have a chance to become a Division I program in the near future.
A new arena will be built in Callaway Village, just eight miles north of UNC's campus, and will be the official home of the hockey team and will seat more than 2,000 people. It also features seven skyboxes and ample standing room for fans to watch the game while purchasing merchandise at the concession stand.
The team is a member of the Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League (ACCHL) and is affiliated with the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II.
They have been in the league for 26 years, making them the longest-serving team currently in the league. The team has reached the finals eight times in the ACC Club Tournament and has made one championship appearance.
Like the 28 Division I programs sponsored by UNC, the club ice hockey team hopes to one day win a Division I national championship, and the new arena gives current players and coaches hope that day is near. I'll give it to you.
Matt Grady, a freshman business major at UNC, is from Wyoming and says coming to UNC was easy because of the academic opportunities Chapel Hill offers, as well as the university's storied athletic history.
“I really wanted to come to Carolina because they have fans and donors, parents and students who are willing to support the cause of building a sports community here,” Grady said. Told.
For Grady and his team, wearing Tar Heels blue and playing on the ice feels as much of an honor as it does for the highly ranked UNC men's basketball team. Representing the Tar Heels community is an opportunity they don't want to waste.
“This is a real honor and something I think we all take very seriously,” Grady said. “Everyone is really trusted and the culture is growing every day.”
Head coach Adam Dauda joined UNC in May 2023. A former East Coast hockey player in his league, Dauda knows what it takes to be successful on the ice. He hopes the new arena will take the team to a new level and attract more top players.
“There's a lot of attention on us and the new rink. So with some facilities, potentially a weight room, more ice time, better time potential. That’s going to be huge for our program,” Dauda said. “Already we have achieved success, but the sky is the limit for even more success.”
