23 UNYCHL schools will be a part of what promises be an ultra-competitive Division 2 in 2023-24. The Nickel City Hockey Network starts a preview of D2 today with a look at the East Division. Six colleges are a part of D2 East next year, including a pair that are new to the UNYCHL. With the addition of a new Division 1 in the league next year, the stage is set for new schools to ascend in D2.
Union College returns as the reigning East champion. The Dutchmen (Union nickname changing Fall 23) went 7-3-1 a year ago before losing to Binghamton in the UNYCHL Playoffs.
SUNY Albany also made the playoffs last season and the Great Danes figure to be a part of the discussion again this year.
The two new schools are Skidmore College and Jefferson Community College. The Thoroughbreds and Cannoneers continue to add to the league’s reach in the eastern and northern parts of New York.
Paul Smith’s College appears to have a robust recruit class coming in as the Bobcats continue to grow their program. Meanwhile in Syracuse, the Dolphins of Lemoyne look to get back into winning form after a down year in 22-23
Expanding the East Division was a big focus for the league. “It’s huge and hopefully opens doors for more schools,” said UNYCHL Commissioner Jon Marchese. “We’ve had Canton in the past, we’d welcome Potsdam, Plattsburgh…”
On the ice this year, it’s a division that appears there for the taking.
“The East is truly wide-open,” said Marchese. “Will Lemoyne bounce back? I think JCC could be a real sleeper, they should have talent just not sure of depth. Could also be time for Albany and Union to step up, field is open for them now.”
Union appeared in the 2019 UNYCHL Semifinals, but the playoffs have mostly run through the West, Metro, and Central since then. With three Central teams moving up to the new D1, the road might be smoother for an East team to make it to Jamestown and the Final Four in 23-24.
