By Matt Noonan 

The Hockey East Association announced on Thursday, June 21, that the University of Connecticut men’s ice hockey team will join the conference in 2014-15. The Huskies women’s ice hockey team is already a member of the conference, and now both teams will compete in the Hockey East.

With the addition of UConn, the men’s conference will feature 12 teams as of September 2014. Notre Dame is scheduled to join the conference in 2013-14.

“This is a historic day in the history of the University of Connecticut and its Division of Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Warde Manuel said in the conference press release. “Hockey East is the premier men’s ice hockey conference in the country and we are proud to say that the Huskies are now part of it. I would like to thank Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna and the Athletic Directors at the institutions that comprise Hockey East for providing us this special opportunity. We are committed to developing a men’s ice hockey program that can and will perform successfully on the national level and compete for Hockey East and NCAA championships.”

For more information on UConn joining the Hockey East — CLICK HERE to access the press release.