A new Division I men’s program will enter the scene in 2027 — Maryville University of Town and Country, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis.
“This is a historic moment for our university,” said Maryville president Dr. Dan Shipp. “Launching NCAA Division I men’s hockey reflects our continued commitment to academic and athletic excellence, and our belief in creating elite level competitive opportunities for student-athletes who want to achieve at the highest level — right here in St. Louis.”
According to its web site, Maryville is a private Catholic university founded in 1872 by the Society of the Sacred Heart. With an enrollment of just under 9,000, it currently supports 22 athletic teams competing in NCAA Division II.
Currently, the school boasts at least two men’s club hockey teams and one women’s club hockey team, according to the school’s athletic web site.
John Hogan has been named assistant athletic director of hockey and head coach. In fall 2026, the school will field a Division I transition/hybrid team for the 2026-27 season that will include games against approximately 20 NCAA D-I teams, the school said.
The move comes as the result of an independent feasibility study funded by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association in collaboration with College Hockey Inc. As part of a larger partnership, College Hockey Inc., the NHL and NHLPA will fund a feasibility study for any school interested in adding NCAA Division I men’s and/or women’s hockey.
Maryville’s addition of men’s hockey continues the recent trend of schools adding the sport, including the University of Delaware women’s program in 2025-26 and the Augustana University men’s program in 2023-24.
“Maryville University’s addition of NCAA Division I men’s hockey is an exciting step for the continued growth of the sport,” said College Hockey Inc. Executive Director Sean Hogan. “We are proud to work alongside Dr. Shipp, athletic director Brittany Fennell, and director of hockey John Hogan throughout this process. Their leadership and commitment make this a significant addition to Division I hockey and will create new opportunities for student-athletes nationwide.”