USNA Hockey

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d38

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How popular is hockey at the USNA? I know it is a Division 1 ACHA sport but I would still expect games to be popular. Would love some input from current Midshipmen or even a player on the team!

Thank you in advance
 
hockey games are pretty well attended, friday nights especially. tailgating in the parking lot sometimes. the level of play in top half of ACHA div1 is on par with a lot of NCAA D3 teams

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Both USNA men’s and women’s hockey have Facebook pages.
 
To follow up on this question, how hard is it to make the club hockey team there if you can't play for the varsity team? I will have only played JV in high school. Does anyone know if the kids on the USNA mens club team have a lot of experience playing at a high level, and is it really hard to make the club team?
 
there is no varsity hockey at USNA, the club team is the top team. The ACHA div1 team is pretty competitive, all the players played high level club, juniors, prep and hs.
there is an ACHA D3 team (was D2 previously, moving to D3 this year), that is much less competitive.
 
Former USNA hockey dad here. Everyone who wants to try out is given the opportunity. As stated, most of the varsity squad has played AA/ AAA, junior, or high level HS. Plenty of room for the not quite ready for prime time guys on the D2 squad. Many move up to D1 after a year or two. As far as popularity goes? Friday nights are always better attended. If there is a home football game, Saturday nights are pretty lightly attended since everyone except the hockey players have to go. The picture A6E Dad put up is the Army game, and yes, McMullen is rockin'. As a dad that watched his kid play AAA most of his playing days, I can say that the D1 games are really fun to watch. Tons more skill than HS hockey, but not quite NCAA. If you are asking as a player, I highly recommend it. Besides the hockey side of it, my son really enjoyed the break from the daily USNA grind, as well as the travel away on the weekends. If you can balance the academics and the athletics.... go for it.
 
USNA 19 DAD said:
...If you can balance the academics and the athletics.... go for it.
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That is great advice. Always good to remember why you're there. That balance can be hard as a Plebe. It's easier as you go, but the academics and all the other stuff hit Plebes kind of hard that 1st AC year.
 
USNA 19 DAD said:
Former USNA hockey dad here. Everyone who wants to try out is given the opportunity. As stated, most of the varsity squad has played AA/ AAA, junior, or high level HS. Plenty of room for the not quite ready for prime time guys on the D2 squad. Many move up to D1 after a year or two. As far as popularity goes? Friday nights are always better attended. If there is a home football game, Saturday nights are pretty lightly attended since everyone except the hockey players have to go. The picture A6E Dad put up is the Army game, and yes, McMullen is rockin'. As a dad that watched his kid play AAA most of his playing days, I can say that the D1 games are really fun to watch. Tons more skill than HS hockey, but not quite NCAA. If you are asking as a player, I highly recommend it. Besides the hockey side of it, my son really enjoyed the break from the daily USNA grind, as well as the travel away on the weekends. If you can balance the academics and the athletics.... go for it.
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Do you think someone that has only been playing for a few years could make the lower level team? Or are those kids still pretty experienced even though they aren't as good as the D1 team?
 
User919 said:
Do you think someone that has only been playing for a few years could make the lower level team? Or are those kids still pretty experienced even though they aren't as good as the D1 team?
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If you mean someone who never played hockey until 2 -3 years ago, that would be a stretch. Most college club hockey players have been playing for many years at some level, probably 10+ for most players. Even if they play at a fairly low level, they are usually decent skaters and know how to execute various systems of play.

But there is no harm in trying. Because club players aren't recruited athletes, the talent level can vary widely. You may catch a year where the program has room for less experienced players.
 
My son is applying this year and hoping, if accepted, to play. He is AAA player. He did a round of Junior tryouts and was offered a spot NCDC team but it is not his thing, wants to go to Navy. Hockey is important but secondary at this point, although he's been skating all summer..:) - it was good prep for CFA.
 
best of luck! if your son is NCDC level, he'll be great fit!
 
A6E Dad said:
best of luck! if your son is NCDC level, he'll be great fit!
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Thank you! He needs to get in first...:). Hockey-wise, he is good - 6"3" 190lbs. Forward. Sees the ice well, good hands and, most importantly, works his butt off.
 
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