D1 for Sault College women
They are moving up to the top floor of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. After a half dozen wildly wonderful seasons of winning at the ACHA Division 2 and 3 national championship levels, the Sault College Cougars women’s team has been elevated to Division 1 status effective the ’26-27 season.
The official confirmation of acceptance has come from ACHA Women’s Division 1 commissioner Molly Mahoney, concluding an application and review process that began early in 2025 and was the culmination of more than two years of dedicated lobbying and program development relative to Sault College.
To be sure, Sault College has long looked to make the move to Division 1 following multiple years of remarkable on ice success under now retired head coach Brianne Shunock, who along with the assistance of others, spearheaded the women’s program into a national powerhouse.
One of the strongest advocates for Sault College’s transition were the cross-border rival Lake Superior State University Lakers, who themselves advanced to Division 1 just a few seasons ago. With two Division 1 programs separated by a mere two miles of International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie, the move by Sault College to D1 alongside LSSU figures to strengthen one of the ACHA’s most natural rivalries — while also reducing travel demands for both schools.
During the championship run with Shunock at the helm, Sault College actively engaged programs from across the ACHA to try to build support for its ascent to the top tier of women’s collegiate hockey.
Sault College’s director of athletics Paul Orazietti is understandably in a celebratory mood with the Lady Cougars’ looming move up to the D1 level.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the ACHA’s decision to move our program into Division 1. The women have earned this opportunity, and it represents a win–win for both our college and the ACHA. We are excited for this new challenge and look forward to competing at the highest level of women’s hockey within the association,” relayed Orazietti.
Meantime, the Lady Cougars will complete the ’25-26 season in Division 2, where they will pursue their fourth consecutive national championship under first year head coach Megan Dubas and her staff of assistants that includes Erica Aceti, Olivia Barsanti, Shannon Bolduc, Jessica Fabbro and Bronson Kovacs as well as goalie coach Bill Vanderleest.
feature photo of Sault College second year skater Matea Glavota by Bob Davies
Well deserved by the Coaching staff and players who have worked hard to accomplish this on their own.