The setup of UNYCHL changes from two tiers to three divisions next year. Nowhere is that change more evident than in D2 Central. Binghamton, Cortland, and Cornell were 1/2/3 in the Central standings the last two years, but move into the new UNYCHL Division 1. That leaves behind a division where the favorite is anyone’s guess.
“Simply don’t know what to expect,” said UNYCHL Commissioner Jon Marchese. “Two former champions in the group means the potential is there, but it really is a complete mystery.”
The 2017 Champions, Hobart College, return to the league at a time when hockey is at a peak on campus. The Division III team won the 22-23 NCAA National Championship. If any players spill onto the AAU roster, it could be a quick restart.
Hamilton College is the other past champ. The Continentals claimed the 2018 title, but in recent years have been a UNYCHL riddle. The talent is there, but from game-to-game, the numbers sometimes are not.
Cornell University is launching a second AAU team. There will actually be a pair of second teams entering the league this year (more on the other in a coming preview). Last year was a renaissance for Cornell AAU Hockey with 13 wins and a bid to Nationals. Moving to D1 and adding a second team shows the program continuing to rise. D2 teams looking to round out their schedule, should contact the Big Red.
Across town, Ithaca College remains as a longstanding divisional member. IC had a front row seat for last year’s Cornell resurgence. The positive example can only be fuel for the Bombers.
Colgate University might be the sleeper in this division full of sleepers. 23-24 will be year two in the UNYCHL for a Red Raiders program that has been building itself up for several years and showed flashes last year.
Onondaga Community College also enters their second year in the UNYCHL. The Lazers played 7 games in Tier 2 last season.
The opportunity to emerge is there for any of the six squads, and should make D2 Central a very entertaining division in 23-24.
