Sault College moving up
With success comes a promotion. Hockey News North has confirmed that the American Collegiate Hockey Association has granted a request of the Sault College Cougars to move up a level from Division 3 to Division 2 effective the 2019-2020 season.
In just its second full season as charter members of the ACHA, the Sault College program has become a force to be reckoned with led by manager of hockey operations Mark Hebert and head coach Mike Hall.
Despite having played 15 of its 17 games on the road this season, Sault College has a impressive record of 14-2-1.
Meanwhile, the Cougars are home for games tonight at 8:00 and Saturday afternoon at 3:00 when they will play host to the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals at GFL Memorial Gardens in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
As coach of the Cougars, the aforementioned Hall said he is “very happy for the school, the program and the players” in being able to advance from Division 3 to Division 2 status.
“Stronger competition is the biggest thing and we are obviously excited for the school and the men. Moving up from Division 3 to Division 2 should help us attract even more good players in addition to the ones we already have,” Hall relayed to Hockey News North.
And Charly Murray, who is a Sault Ste. Marie-based scout for the Cougars, applauded the elevation for Sault College from Division 3 to Division 2.
“High praise to Mark, Mike and our staff both at the hockey operations and the school and of course our players who have shown that they can combine schooling and hockey and continue to play at this high level,” said Murray. “It’s good to know that the ACHA realized that our caliber of team is above the competition in the D3 category.”
Sault College is the only Canadian school to play within the expanses of the ACHA.
PHOTO: Sault College coach Mike Hall takes in the action from behind the bench in a recent ACHA game. (Photo by Allana Plaunt.)
Mike Hall is a winner wherever he goes. Or maybe its in the kool aid!