For the first time in program history the UMass Amherst women's hockey team has been denied school funding, and now must raise the money to play.
For the first time in program history the UMass Amherst women's hockey team has been denied school funding, and now must raise the money to play.
The Umass Amherst women's hockey program has been to 18 of the last 20 national championship tournaments. To make it 19, the ACHA DI school will need to fundraise to cover team costs in their entirety next season, as the University of Massachussettes denied funding to the program.
"Due to a clerical error that is out of our control, we have been denied funding from our university for the first time in our history. This means that the 2023-24 team will be funded entirely through fundraising and player dues," team members wrote on a GoFundMe page they launched.
According to the note written by members of the UMass Minutemen women's hockey team, the program, which has been in operation since the 2002-2003 season has large travel expenses, as only three teams they play are within a single day bus ride. The remainder of their travel involves multiple days on a bus, or flights to games.
"We appreciate you taking the time to read our story. Any amount of money that you are able to donate will be put toward the operation of the team," the page reads.
Last season the Umass Amherst women's program finished with a 13-8-0-1 record.
To support the UMass Amherst women's hockey team, you can donate to their GoFundMe page below.