“I am excited to welcome Babson College and Norwich University as affiliate members in men’s ice hockey…” Pamela Samuelson, LEC Commissioner
The Little East Conference made a significant announcement on Wednesday, revealing the addition of two affiliate men’s ice hockey programs, Norwich University and Babson College. These institutions are set to become part of the conference when it launches its inaugural season in 2025-26.
This expansion brings the total number of teams in the LEC’s men’s ice hockey division to nine, which includes Keene State. The Owls will transition to Division III for the 2024-25 season, competing independently before the LEC establishes a formal league schedule and championship the following year.
Joining Keene State are five core men’s ice hockey programs, namely UMass-Boston, UMass-Dartmouth, Plymouth State, Southern Maine, and Vermont State University Castleton. Additionally, three affiliate member institutions—Babson, New England College, and Norwich—round out the roster.
Little East Conference Commissioner Pamela S. Samuelson expressed enthusiasm about the addition of Babson College and Norwich University as affiliate members in men’s ice hockey. Samuelson sees their inclusion as elevating the competitiveness of the sport at the national level within the LEC, fostering enduring rivalries for member schools previously participating in the New England Hockey Conference.
The decision to sponsor men’s ice hockey was initially announced by Samuelson in July 2023, with New England College welcomed as an affiliate member last month.
Norwich University’s Director of Athletics, Ed Hockenbury, shared his excitement about joining the LEC’s inaugural season, citing the conference’s ideal combination of strong competition, reasonable travel, and the opportunity to maintain longstanding relationships and league opponents.
Babson College’s Director of Athletics, Mike Lynch, explained that the move to the Little East Conference was prompted by significant league movement affecting Babson and the NEHC. Lynch emphasized the familiarity with LEC hockey opponents from the NEHC, along with the favorable geographic footprint. The move ensures Babson’s continued access to automatic qualification for the NCAA Tournament and provides student-athletes with the chance to compete against top regional and national teams.
For the 2025-26 season, the LEC will have immediate automatic qualification access to the NCAA Division III men’s ice hockey championship, with at least six core members sponsoring the sport in its inaugural year.
