The University of Arizona Wildcat hockey program has been nationally recognized with the 2016-17 Community Service Award for their outstanding contributions to their local community and charitable organizations and representation of the ACHA. 

The award is given to teams who show exemplary effort in volunteering their time to work on community projects, work with underprivileged children at hockey or skating clinics, originate or participate in community fundraisers and otherwise represent the ACHA well at community events or activities. 

This is an award given out each year to 1 of the 64 men’s division 1 teams. The other finalists were Ohio University and Iowa State.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our hockey program,” said Coach Berman. “Community engagement is our #1 priority. There are very few awards that could hold more meaning to our values as a program, we humbly accept this award on behalf of the ACHA and the entire Tucson community."

"There are a lot of people behind the scenes who deserve recognition for their incredible contributions: Brendan Gail, Daniel Bowes, Caitlin Gwaltney, Dalal Kaddoura, and Lisa James. Not to mention all of our players who make giving back to the community a priority. Additionally, I want to thank the entire City of Tucson for their unrelenting support. We host a lot of community events and it means nothing if the community doesn’t come out and support it. We are very lucky to have such a passionate and supportive fan base; the entire Wildcat Nation deserves credit for this amazing honor.”

“I would also like to thank our many sponsors and donors for their support: Nova Home Loans, The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Pfizer, Team IMPACT, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, the Community Food bank, Oremas Ready Mix, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart & stroke Association,  and the Eller Family Foundation.”

The Wildcats will officially be presented the award on April 28, 2017 at the annual ACHA Meeting held in Naples FL.

The other divisional winners were:

• University of Rhode island – Women’s D1
• University of northern Colorado – Men’s D2
• University of Delaware – Women’s D2
• Schoolcraft College – Men’s D2

All of these teams, including the University of Arizona, will be eligible for the overall ACHA Community Service Award. This award will also be announced on April 28, 2017 at the ACHA Annual Meeting during the Hall of Fame Coach of the Year banquet. For more information about the ACHA’s annual Hall of Fame and Coach of the Year Banquet, visit www.achahockey.org.

On behalf of the entire University of Arizona Hockey program, congratulations to all of the ACHA teams who give back to their community and charitable organizations!