AN OPEN LETTER TO FANS FROM NCHC COMMISSIONER HEATHER WEEMS
To our passionate NCHC fans and supporters,
After the 2026 season concluded in thrilling fashion, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished together and to express my sincere gratitude for the role each of you has played in shaping the National Collegiate Hockey Conference into the premier league in men’s Division I college hockey.
This year, the University of Denver’s NCAA National Championship marked the NCHC’s 8th national title in the past 10 years. That level of sustained excellence is not coincidence. It is the result of an unwavering commitment from our institutions, student-athletes, coaches, and, importantly, you – our fans. It is what the original six members envisioned when they first met to create a new conference in response to changing times.
Your impact is felt in every arena across our conference. NCHC venues continue to be among the most electric environments in college hockey with half of our member institutions ranking among the top 20 nationally in attendance and many others averaging near capacity. This was further highlighted in our first year of holding the Frozen Faceoff entirely on campus sites, which culminated at a sold-out Magness Arena. The energy you bring creates one of the most charged environments in the sport and elevates the experience for our student-athletes and visiting teams alike.
Your support also extends beyond the stands. This year marked our highest viewership on NCHC.tv. Through your subscriptions, you not only stay connected to the action but directly invest in the success of your chosen program. This innovative model—where revenue flows back to the schools you support—demonstrates the strength of our fan base and its commitment to sustaining excellence.
We also recognize and appreciate your adaptability in a rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape. In an era shaped by Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities, revenue share, and the transfer portal, your continued enthusiasm and support for both new and returning players help foster stability, belonging, and competitive success. I am continually impressed by the customized strategies and innovations of our schools that keep our programs relevant and competitive as revenue share and NIL advancements continue. Your active presence helps create environments where student-athletes, like 2026 Hobey Baker Award winner Max Plante, thrive on and off the ice.
At our core, the NCHC is a single-sport conference built on the belief that men’s hockey is a defining part of the campus experience. Our member institutions are united in prioritizing the sport at its highest level, and together we continue to serve as thought leaders committed to innovation, integrity, and providing a first-class experience for our student-athletes.
None of this is possible without you.
Your passion for college hockey, your appreciation for the character and achievements of our players, and your loyalty as fans and donors have helped establish the NCHC as the standard in NCAA Division I men’s college hockey.
On behalf of our institutions, coaches, and student-athletes, thank you for your continued support. We are proud of what we have built together and even more excited about what lies ahead.
With gratitude,
Commissioner Heather Weems
National Collegiate Hockey Conference