Low Down on Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Scholarships
Collegiate scholarship supported Ice Hockey is played by Men AND Women. Not long ago, Ice Hockey was a fledgling “emerging” sport for women and it has taken some college campuses by storm. The women are hitting the ice with gusto, some with years of ice hockey battle under their belts.
Expect scholarships for ice hockey to be very competitive. Men’s ice hockey has been brutally competitive for years. And the new women’s teams are, as well. Both the NCAA and the NJCAA sponsor member teams in ice hockey. JUCO teams are limited to men’s.
NCAA Ice Hockey Scholarship Opportunities
One hundred and thirty-seven schools sponsor NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey. Most of these are at the D-I or D-III levels. You should already know that scholarships for athletics are not available at the D-III schools, leaving about 65 schools supporting ice hockey scholarships. D-I Men’s Ice Hockey is limited to 18 full scholarships per team and D-II limited to 13.5. These scholarships may be divided up into smaller or partial scholarships, as well. Many coaches opt to do this and provide funding to a wider array of skaters. And depending upon current funding, these schools may not even have those numbers of scholarships to award—these are simply max limits.
For women, 36 schools support ice hockey athletic scholarships. Most of these are within the D-I member schools. Each school is limited to 18 full scholarships apiece, and may divide them as they see fit to spread the cash around. OR they may not have that many to give in the first place.
Div III women’s ice hockey is still very competitive with nearly 45 schools participating. At this level it’s common to think that elite athletes are not in play. But consider that not all excellent athletes are interested in committing to the immense sacrifices necessary to skate for a large D-I ice hockey team. Don’t be fooled: some very good female hockey players are taking to the ice at D-III schools.
How to Leverage Ice Hockey Scholarship Dollars at D-III Schools
Scholarship opportunities are available at D-III schools, but for financial need and academics. But here is where schools have the flexibility to accept a wide range of student—one as talented on the ice as he or she may be in the classroom. Skate at D-III and you’re free from the stress of a true sports scholarship, and possibly being funded for your smarts.