HC Club Hockey was established and recognized as an official student organization by the College of the Holy Cross in September of 2000. During its inaugural season, HC Club Hockey played as a NorthEast Collegiate Hockey Association (NECHA) Associate member in Division 2 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), the national governing body of collegiate club ice hockey. The program’s first season was successful and laid a foundation for future growth and development. HC Club Hockey chose to compete as an ACHA independent team for 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. The HC Club remained independent for the 2003-2004 season while also competing as an associate member of the NECHA.
In April 2004, the Club gained full acceptance into the NECHA. HC competed against UNH, Bryant College, MIT, Endicott College, Bates College and Bridgewater State in the East Division. The Crusaders tied for the regular season crown and went on to beat rival UNH in overtime to capture its first NECHA championship in program history. The following year, the Crusaders repeated at NECHA champions, beating Uconn in the final. After the 05-06 campaign, team management decided to move the team from the NECHA to the Super East Collegiate Hockey League (SECHL). "We are excited about the opportunity to join the Super East, which is the most competitive league in the Northeast. By joining the SECHL, we are with other teams that desire to compete on both the regional and national level. We are thrilled to begin league play this year," said Holy Cross General Manager Larry Brutti. "I speak for both myself and UNH in thanking the NECHA for giving us the opportunity to compete and will always look back fondly on the many rivalries and friendships that have developed over the years."
The Crusaders continue to compete in the Super East of ACHA D2 Club Hockey against league members Central Connecticut State University, Marist College, Montclair State University, University of New Hampshire, New York University, Siena College, Western Connecticut State University, and William Patterson University.
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