#cawlidgehockey in Arizona

Cameron McDonald (26) defends Tim Conser (4) in a game at Oceanside Ice Arena. CREDIT: Amanda Luberto; Walter Cronkite Sports Network

(Image Credit: Amanda Luberto; WCSN)

Northen Arizona University

The Ice Jacks actually have the longest history when it comes to college hockey in the state. They began playing in 1971, and 40 years later, they are still going strong.

Unlike the programs at ASU and UA, the Ice Jacks have already made the jump to the NCAA level. For five seasons in the early eighties, they were an NCAA D-I program, and were even lucky enough to field NHL talent- former Coyote Greg Adams played up north for two seasons before making his NHL debut in 1984.

Today, the Ice Jacks field both a Division II and Division III team in the ACHA. This past season, the  Division II team earned an automatic bid to Nationals after finishing second in the ACHA West region, due to ASU vacating 23 of their wins.

Next season, NAU will return five of their top nine scorers, including Senior Ben Russell, who finished second on the team in points last season with 38 (17-21-38) in 37 games.

For more on the Ice Jacks program, you can check out their site at nauicejacks.com for schedules, rosters and ticket info.