UNC has been a legendary college program for years, and with the Carolina Hurricanes coming off a Stanley Cup, it's time for the program to look at hockey.
College hockey is in a growth phase right now, and the potential for expansion is as good as it’s ever been. Many schools that put money into and have success in other sports may entertain the idea of hitting the ice.
This mini-series breaks down the most feasible programs to become a Division I hockey program based on that school’s other sports, its market, and the money that school has. The countdown’s now at four, with the University of North Carolina.
Michael Jordan, Lawrence Taylor, Vince Carter, Mia Hamm, and James Worthy are just some of the legendary names to wear a North Carolina Tar Heels jersey, and if the school decides to add hockey, that could add some more legends.
North Carolina isn’t a traditional hockey market, but with the most recent Stanley Cup win by the Carolina Hurricanes, more eyes have been on the sport in the state, and next it’s bringing it to the biggest college brand in the state.
UNC is already a big and established brand. A North Carolina kid shouldn't have to leave the state simply because the flagship public university doesn't offer Division I hockey.
North Carolina has had a handful of NHL talent, highlighted by Jared Boll, who played 11 seasons and totaled 579 NHL games.
If NC State and UNC were to add teams, could you imagine a weekend matchup of those two teams, creating one of college hockey’s best in-state rivalries?
The program is already starting to throw a lot of money into football, really leaning into it. Considering the school has the means to do something like that, if they have interest in hockey, they would for sure have the bank account to support it.
It’s a non-traditional hockey market, but it’s one of the biggest brands in college, and they’re in a state that’s just getting a taste of the sport itself.
