I am uniquely connected to the UB Hockey program which spans generations – this would have been my 9th year with the program between playing and coaching. Being home to 3 teams (Men's ACHA DI, Women's ACHA DII, and Men's AAU DI), the program offers a chance for nearly 75 students to play hockey. This extends further with the numerous interns and volunteer staff that make the programs possible. 

UB Hockey is not just a program; it's a tradition, a community, and most importantly, a family. Our program, dating back to 1895, has had a long history of success, particularly in recent years. However, this esteemed legacy came to a halt when we were stripped of recognition by our own school.

The teams have been with UB's Student Association for over 20 years. An organization that is student run and expects their clubs to be student run. While it is widely acknowledged that the team cannot be run at the student level, the university refuses to act on it. Almost every other university with teams at this level has accepted this and made accommodations to support their students. These universities have moved their teams to their athletic departments or other departments that allow these teams to function, prepare, and perform like the athletic teams they are.

The Student Association's and university's dismissive treatment of our team is nothing new, but now we've been hit hard by their recent decision. Since being de-recognized by the Student Association for failing to have 3 on-campus events, a new rule unbeknownst to the teams, the teams have found and almost secured multiple viable solutions that have been shot down by UB's upper management. The Student Association has been the main source of mistreatment towards the hockey programs, but the unwillingness to work with the programs by the rest of the university is inexcusable. 

While hockey is an expensive sport, this isn't about the money. In fact, the teams only need the university to release the players grades to the league in order to play, and the university is unwilling to work with the students and staff to get this done.

University at Buffalo is known for upholding values of service, community, and culture. Denying our hockey program denies these very principles the school stands for. The decision to remove hockey from campus is not only unjust but also neglectful of a tradition that has existed for over 125 years. It's time for us to make a stand, not just for the team, but for every student, alumnus, and member of the Buffalo community whose lives have been touched by UB Hockey.

Let us remind the University at Buffalo of the value we bring and the joy we spread throughout our community. Help us in our mission to reinstate the UB Hockey program, a cherished tradition of the university. 

Please send your emails urging support to ubsa@buffalo.edu, athleticdirector@buffalo.edu, and president@buffalo.edu. 

Check out a more detailed story on our website, https://www.ubicehockey.com/articles/ub-hockey-struggles-with-recognition-m1b61d96 

Join us, stand with us, and lend us your voice. Let’s tell the University at Buffalo that UB Hockey matters. Sign the petition.